Heimir Hallgrimsson knows scale of World Cup task despite win over Armenia

Evan Ferguson’s 70th-minute header ultimately sealed a vital win.

Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson was a happy man after a first victory of the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifying campaign (Niall Carson/PA)

Heimir Hallgrimsson admits the Republic of Ireland may need to do something special against Portugal next month if they are to make it to next summer’s World Cup finals.

Ireland’s relief at a hard-fought 1-0 Group F victory over 10-man Armenia was tempered by the news of Hungary’s late equaliser which means they will have to at least deny Cristiano Ronaldo and company at the Aviva Stadium next month before targeting victory in Budapest three days later.