European Super Football

Republic of Ireland 1 - 0 Armenia Republic of Ireland revived their World Cup qualifying hopes with a vital win over 10-man Armenia. Author | Lee Francis Stadium | Aviva Stadium A red card for Armenia captain Tigran Barseghyan, sent off early in the second half for aiming a headbutt at Finn Azaz, proved decisive as the hosts shook off a laboured opening and claimed victory through Evan Ferguson’s second-half header. A flat first half offered little for the home crowd, with Armenia’s Eduard Spertsyan coming closest to breaking the deadlock when he volleyed narrowly wide. The match turned seven minutes after the restart when Barseghyan was dismissed for thrusting his head into Azaz’s face, leaving Armenia to play the remainder with ten men. From there, Ireland pressed forward. Armenia goalkeeper Henri Avagyan produced several fine saves, tipping Nathan Collins’ header on to the bar and clawing away Dara O’Shea’s effort. He also denied Ferguson from close range before the striker fina...

Armenia 2 - 1 Republic of Ireland The Republic of Ireland’s hopes of reaching the World Cup took a damaging hit as they slumped to a deserved defeat against Armenia in Yerevan. Author | Jordan F Stadium | Vazgen Sargsyan anvan Hanrapetakan Marzadasht Three years after a shock Nations League loss to the same opposition, Ireland were humbled once more by a side ranked 105th in the world, 45 places below them. Eduard Spertsyan, who struck the winner in 2022, gave Armenia the lead from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time after captain Nathan Collins fouled Lucas Zelarayan. Ireland’s problems deepened when Grant-Leon Ranos doubled the advantage six minutes into the second half. Evan Ferguson pulled one back almost immediately, but Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side were fortunate not to concede again, with Artur Serobyan’s late effort ruled out for offside. READ MORE |  Scotland secure a routine but important victory over Belarus READ MORE |  World Cup 2026 Qualifying news an...