In this video
- Asked about Liam Scales, missing for sad reasons, Hallgrímsson said he is important to them. It did not change how they see the game, but it affects how they wanted to use the personnel.
- Asked if the Armenia game matters more, Hallgrímsson said no, they go for this match like every match. They need at least three points from the camp, and he understands why people look to Armenia.
- Hallgrímsson said they need an almost perfect game to get something, and a clean sheet would make it easier. A good performance would give back confidence taken away in Armenia.
- Hallgrímsson expects Portugal to have maybe 60-70% of possession, with goal threats from a lot of players, not one. There probably will not be many chances, but the forwards must make the most of them.
- Ferguson would not say it is night and day from last season, but there is a difference. Playing more football, he feels better, and it is more intense in training out in Italy.
- Asked if fatigue affected the second game last window, Hallgrímsson said they will never know, and the numbers showed nothing different. He called good results followed by poorer ones a trend to look at.
- Asked how going 2-0 down to Hungary was a good performance, Hallgrímsson said they came back and could have won. He does not think this team has often come back from two down.
“…there'd be no point in being here if we didn't believe that.”
Heimir Hallgrimsson and Evan Ferguson press conference 🚨
Ireland need to be PERFECT to avoid defeat in Portugal | Portugal vs. Ireland
Ahead of the Portugal vs. Republic of Ireland World Cup 2026 qualifier, Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson and striker Evan Ferguson speak to the press in Portugal.
Hallgrímsson admits Ireland will need an almost perfect performance to win vs Portugal, acknowledging the quality and strength of Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal national team.
He discussed tactical preparation, long throws, substitutions, and the leadership role of Seamus Coleman and John Egan.
Evan Ferguson reflects on his personal form, tactical instructions from Roma, and facing Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time.
The Irish squad is determined to respond after disappointment vs Armenia, with focus shifting to both Portugal and Armenia in this international window.
