The Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson says Saturday’s opening World Cup qualifier against Hungary could be the most important of their Group F campaign.
Ireland face Marco Rossi’s men at the Aviva Stadium with both knowing defeat in Dublin would be a major blow to their hopes of keeping pace with Portugal.
Hallgrimsson’s side go to Armenia on Tuesday and would do so with optimism if they emerged from the Hungary match with three points, as they attempt to reach the finals for the first time since 2002.
Asked if it was the most important game of the campaign, the head coach said: “Yes, I think it is, probably.
“When we look at it back in six games’ time, this game will have a huge impact on who will qualify from this group, definitely. We don’t want to hide from that, that’s just a fact.”
Having been drawn into a four-team group, Ireland’s campaign will be condensed into less than three months and Hallgrimsson believes it is effectively a race for second.
He said: “It’s natural, that’s the seeding in the group. Portugal comes first, everybody expects Portugal to be first.
“And then it’s a small gap between ourselves and Hungary on the FIFA ranking, but still they are ranked higher than us, so everybody would expect that it will be between us.
“I think there are going to be dropped points in more places than just us and Hungary, but not kidding, this game is hugely important for the rest of the campaign given the nature of the campaign, only six games in 70 days.
“It’s going to be a sprint and it’s always nice when you are in a sprint to have the lead and not be chasing.” (PA Media)
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