Now patient Hallgrimsson wants to lure Hungary into Ireland's trap

Hallgrímsson senses that the Magyars are feeling the pressure of expectation about this generation ending their 40-year wait for a World Cup

Ireland's Manager Heimir Hallgrímsson. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

After winning the game of snakes and ladders against Portugal, Ireland must produce the venom of a python’s bite in the hunt with Hungary for a World Cup playoff.

Heimir Hallgrímsson’s faith in his players was validated by them delivering not alone the best performance of his 15-game reign but since Germany, as world champions, were sunk a decade ago.

Hungary emerged from their scrappy 1-0 triumph in Armenia fully expecting to enjoy a margin of error in this final game in Budapest but the surprise result of the campaign means a win by Ireland of any score propels them into the playoffs next March.

That Ireland emerged from their scalp with no injuries or suspensions enhances the belief that momentum is with them approaching the decider.

Hallgrímsson senses that the Magyars, having qualified for the last Euros, are feeling the pressure of expectation about this generation ending their 40-year wait for a World Cup appearance.

“Yes,” he said about the swing in microscope towards the hosts, who could end Sunday in first, second or third place of the four-nation table.

“Hungary have been leading the second spot since the start. We’ve been chasing and now can overtake them on the last day of the campaign.

“We had wanted to have at least four points from our first camp to go ahead but it didn’t work out that way.” 

Ireland claimed just one from that double-header, earned by their comeback to eke out a 2-2 draw with Hungary they were disappointed not to convert into an opening win.

Although it’s now win or bust, the Icelandic pragmatist suggests he’s prepared to be patient at the sold-out 67,000-seater Puskás Arena on Sunday.

If it worked against the fifth best team in the world, the template can be relied upon to repeat against a nation sitting 37 in Fifa’s rankings.

“When you play low-block, it's like being a snake - you lure the opponents higher up the pitch,” he explained about his tactical masterclass against the Portuguese.

“They had such an attacking team, everybody likes to score, and that just opens more than half a pitch behind them.

“With all of those attacking players, you lose balance which Portugal did on a few occasions. We used that to our advantage.

“Having Chiedozie Ogbene, one of the fastest players around, and then clever guys like Troy Parrott and Finn Azaz, we used the spaces behind.

“We know what we must do against Hungary. Sometimes it's just better to go and need to win, rather than thinking a draw is enough. You would probably become passive if that was the case.” 

On top of the tangible benefits of causing the upset, conquering this mission should alter the mindset of a group of players conditioned to losing.

Séamus Coleman is the only one to have tasted a major tournament, all the way back to Euro 2016, and the new manager justifiably cited the psychological damage by four years of being in the dredges. That jersey didn’t feel so heavy when they boarded their charter to Budapest yesterday.

“There is belief after a win like this,” he noted.

“We spoke afterwards about the happiness from winning but also how we achieved this.

“It was collective work, focus and discipline.

“Everybody should get joy from winning. While others didn’t seem to after Armenia, wins don’t come around every day.

“Let's use Thursday’s win in a positive way. Winning always helps recovery so can we regain as much energy as we can.” 

A late decision will be made on whether Evan Ferguson returns to the squad after resuming training at his on-loan club AS Roma. Hallgrímsson hinted that he won’t be risked.

Elsewhere, an accomplished display from Liam Scales presents a dilemma for the left wing-back slot given Ryan Manning returns from suspension.

Ditto Jayson Molumby but it was also a coming-of-age performance for Jack Taylor on his first competitive start alongside midfield holder Josh Cullen.

Coleman’s capacity to ensure two starts against the top two nations in the pool at the age of 37 is a valid question, yet there seems no appetite from any party to give him a rest in Ireland's time of need.

“Séamus a unique example…how do you say? A phenomenal hero,” was the manager’s take on the stalwart.

“It's unbelievable that this guy can play 90 minutes at this level so well. What amazes me is that he doesn't get minutes at Everton. Hopefully this game will show everyone how qualified he is.” 

Another titanic battle against Dominik Szoboszlai looms. The Merseyside rivals – and neighbours - clashed during last year’s friendly and the Hungary skipper will be gunning to complete the mission on his home city before his adoring audience, including Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

“He’s a world-class player who takes all their free-kicks,” observed the Ireland boss about the dangerman.

“Hungary seem to score a lot from crosses so we need to be careful on that. They will look at our win over Portugal and say ‘maybe this is a changed team.’"   

A change is as good as no rest, in Ireland’s case.