Armenia 2-1 Republic of Ireland: Could this be Ireland’s most humiliating defeat?
INLIBER Sport NI analyses the Republic of Ireland’s shocking 2-1 loss to Armenia in Yerevan and how it jeopardises their 2026 World Cup aspirations.
Twenty-eight years on from their 3-1 defeat to Macedonia in 1997, and four years after losing to Luxembourg, Ireland have suffered another low in a 2-1 World Cup qualifier defeat by Armenia in Yerevan.
The result against 105th-ranked Armenia ended any realistic hope of reaching the 2026 World Cup just two games into qualifying, raising serious questions about manager Heimir Hallgrimsson’s future.
Campaign optimism evaporates
After starting 2025 unbeaten, Ireland have collected just one point from their opening two fixtures. Despite a resilient 2-2 draw with Hungary thanks to Adam Idah’s late equaliser, Ireland were undone in the high heat of Yerevan.
Changes to the midfield at half-time backfired, leaving Ireland exposed and allowing Armenia to cruise through the centre. Former Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given criticised the decision to replace Jack Taylor with a second striker, describing the midfield as “sparse” and “easy to play through”.
Defensive frailties cost dearly
Boasting Premier League talents and a world-class goalkeeper in Caoimhin Kelleher, Ireland’s defence still collapsed. Captain Nathan Collins was overrun and conceded a penalty, while Dara O’Shea and Stephen O’Brien failed to cut out dangerous crosses. Stephen Kelly lamented that “defensively, Ireland were all over the place”.
With two meetings against group favourites Portugal, home and away ties against Armenia, and a trip to Hungary’s Puskas Arena remaining, Ireland must win every match to keep qualification hopes alive.
Armstrong’s decision to reshuffle midfield and a defence unable to cope with Armenia’s pace have turned Ireland’s World Cup bid into a near-impossible task.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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