Evan Ferguson scores Ireland's opening goal during the World Cup qualifier against Armenia at the Aviva Stadium. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
World Cup Group F qualifier: Republic of Ireland 1 [Ferguson 70] Armenia 0
This World Cup qualifier went exactly how the Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson had predicted: “I would take playing a shitty game and win 1-0”.
Not a word out of place.
The fading dream of featuring at North America 2026 was revived by an Evan Ferguson goal.
It was the Roma striker’s most important moment in a green shirt, to date. There was 20 minutes remaining at the Aviva Stadium when Finn Azaz rolled a short corner to Will Smallbone and before the defence could organise, the Southampton midfielder whipped a ball on to Ferguson’s head as six Armenian defenders looked around in disbelief.
The game was going Ireland’s way since the 52nd minute when Armenia captain
Continue Reading on The Irish Times
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.