He might be the only one who believes it, but Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Halgrimsson says that Ireland can qualify for next year’s World Cup finals. Speaking last week when announcing his squad for the upcoming World Cup double-header against Portugal in Estádio José Alvalade on this Saturday and Armenia at the Aviva on Oct. 14, Heimir said: ‘‘I believe in this squad. I believe this squad has enough quality to qualify and the reason being is I have had squads with less individual quality than this one qualify for a World Cup and the Euros as well. I can understand the people if they are fed up with having expectations and not succeeding in them but it is far from being over. We need good performances in this camp and even three points would keep us alive into November. It could go down to goal difference so definitely it is not over. Nobody should be disappointed at this stage.”
This is a strange World Cup qualifying campaign, which is being run off over three internationals windows. The first one in September wasn’t great for The Republic, a home draw with Hungary and then an embarrassing 2-1 defeat to Armenia in Yerevan. Meanwhile Saturday’s opponents Portugal won their two opening games both away from home, beating Hungary 3-2 and Armenia. 5-0. Heimir has recalled experienced pair Seamus Coleman and John Egan. Speaking of Coleman, the manager said: ‘‘Seamus is always the first question in this press squad announcement conference, and I have been criticized not picking him in the past and probably will be criticized again in the future. Seamus has not played many league games, but he has played two League Cup games for Everton and we have said before his numbers are good and we know he is fit and he has always been ready to play and would do anything for his country, so we are happy to have him. Seamus is in for football reasons, but of course he will bring experience and leadership skills into the squad.”
The manager has also given his first call-up to John Egan, who has yet to play under the Icelandic-born manager. Egan, a former Irish captain, won the last of his 36 caps against Holland in Sept. 2023 when Stephen Kenny was manager. After a long lay-off with injury the Cork-born defender is now back and playing regularly with Hull City. Heimir said: ‘‘John brings in quality, experience and leadership so we now have two senior players called in to help us in that area as well. My coaches John O’Shea and Paddy McCarthy have watched John play and they are very happy with his form and I have watched him also.’’
The manager said he has asked leading FAI officials to postpone discussions about a possible new contract until the World Cup qualifying campaign is over. He said: ‘‘ I spoke to FAI CEO David Courell and the president Paul Cooke after the first window in September and said let’s pause any talks for now. I don’t want to be where I am not wanted.’’
Midfielder Jason Knight and defender Matt Doherty are both injured, but there are recalls to the Irish squad for: Will Smallbone, Jayson Molumby, Callum O’Dowda and Festy Ebosele. Troy Parrott is also included, but only for the home game against Armenia next Tuesday; he would not be fully fit for the trip to Portugal. Just over four years ago we travelled to the Algarve for a World Cup qualifier against Portugal and it was looking good after goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu saved a first half penalty from Ronaldo. Just before half-time John Egan scored his first international goal and we lead 1-0 at half-time. For long periods in the second half it looked like we were going to secure our first-ever win on Portugese soil, but then Ronaldo struck with two goals in injury time.
Meanwhile Northern Ireland, who have made a slightly better start than the Republic in their World Cup group, are home to Slovakia on Friday night and then Germany are the visitors to Windsor Park on Monday night.
