Heimir Hallgrímsson: It was difficult to motivate Ireland players against Israel

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson during the UEFA Nations League B match against Israel. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile.

Heimir Hallgrímsson rued Ireland losing control of a match they had a grip on when leading Israel 1-0 at the break via another Troy Parrott penalty.

"What we did quite well in the first half, had control of the game. In the second half it was more open. There was a silly goal to concede that we let in in the game.

"Disappointed with the goal, we conceded a mistake that led to that one."

Heimir declines to comment on spiting incident at half time, allegedly by an Israel player towards the Ireland fitness coach but predicts action from Uefa. pic.twitter.com/ELlPSJmR99

— John Fallon (@JFallonExaminer) October 4, 2026

The Icelander admitted the game lacked a competitive edge, despite clear enmity between the sides.

"It felt like a friendly. Before a season when you have a club team with no people watching, there was no kind of spark in the game.

"It was difficult to motivate them, especially for players who are now playing their fourth game. Six international flights for us, we played in four countries.

"Plus all the things that have been going on, we probably needed the same spark we got in the Aviva when we played Austria.

"I think both coaches will be disappointed with the game. A fair result, I don't know. I think we should have done better in the first half and killed the game off."