Ireland’s hopes of reaching the World Cup take a damaging hit
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...