Oh, the agony of a World Cup dream hanging by a thread – that’s the high-stakes drama facing Ireland as they gear up for their pivotal qualifier against Hungary in Budapest this Sunday. With everything on the line, every decision matters, and the team is stepping onto the pitch without their star striker Evan Ferguson. But here’s where it gets intriguing: how will they cope without him, and what does this say about the squad’s depth? Let’s dive into the details and unpack what’s really going on behind the scenes.
Ireland will be tackling this essential match in Budapest without Evan Ferguson, the talented forward from Roma. Ferguson was already a major concern before this international break, and although he didn’t feature in the game against Portugal, there was a glimmer of hope he might recover in time for the showdown with Hungary. Unfortunately, that optimism faded as Ferguson couldn’t demonstrate his readiness and stayed in Rome to focus on his recovery, while the rest of the Irish squad traveled to Budapest for the crucial clash.
As manager Heimir Hallgrimsson explained, ‘All our players are fit except for him [Evan Ferguson]. We spoke to him yesterday, or rather, he participated in a training session yesterday, but he still hasn’t touched the ball.’ It’s a straightforward update, but for those new to football, this means Ferguson hasn’t even done basic kicking drills yet, which is a key indicator that he’s not match-fit. Hallgrimsson showered praise on his injured striker, highlighting how Ferguson prioritized the team’s needs over his own desire to play, refusing to pretend he was ready just to be part of the action.
‘We discussed it with him, and he believes he wouldn’t be able to make a significant impact,’ Hallgrimsson shared. ‘I really commend him for putting the team first. Naturally, any player would want to join in, especially after our Dublin victory and the momentum, but he feels he wouldn’t contribute enough to warrant a spot in the squad. So, we’re leaving him out, allowing him to continue his rehab with Roma.’ This level of selflessness from Ferguson is commendable and sets a positive example – but here’s the part most people miss: is this decision selfless, or could it be a missed opportunity if he had pushed through?
Looking forward to the game, Hallgrimsson confessed he’s leaning towards fielding the exact same starting lineup that delivered a stunning 2-0 win over Portugal in Dublin on Thursday night. For context, a victory like that against one of the world’s top teams is rare and exhilarating, much like an underdog story in a sports movie where the plucky heroes shock the favorites. However, the manager stressed the importance of evaluating the entire squad’s condition after such an intense 90 minutes against a side ranked fifth globally. He’ll make his final call after the team’s training session at the Puskas Arena, right after the press conference.
‘I’m tempted to go with the same team, yes. I’m tempted. Will I follow through? I’m not sure yet,’ Hallgrimsson said. ‘We’ll assess during training, and we’re in constant communication with the players who saw the most action. That way, we have a clear picture of their mental and physical state. But our upcoming session will be the ultimate test.’ This approach shows smart, thoughtful leadership – yet, and this is where it gets controversial, sticking with the same XI could risk fatigue. What if fresh legs are needed? It’s a debate worth having.
Regarding the opponents, Hallgrimsson admitted he’s uncertain about Hungary’s strategy, especially since they only require a draw to advance. But he emphasized that his sole focus is on Ireland’s performance, reminding everyone that their fate is in their own hands for Sunday’s encounter. ‘Honestly, I don’t know how they’ll view this match or us as opponents. We don’t dwell on it; we’re concentrating on ourselves. That’s the real challenge,’ he noted. ‘After a strong result, we need to build on it, understand what led to that success, and replicate it. Avoid dwelling on the past two days – the immediate priority is this next game. We vowed to seize control if we reached the final match with a chance still alive, and now that control is ours. We cherish that.’
Goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher joined the manager at the press conference and discussed the tension on both teams for such a high-pressure fixture. ‘Possibly,’ he replied when questioned if Hungary, as the home side, faces greater pressure. ‘It’s been a long time since they last qualified for a World Cup, so there’s immense expectation. Their home crowd will demand a win to secure their spot. Yet, we also impose significant pressure on ourselves. We hold our team in high regard and push hard to qualify for a major event. So, really, both sides are under the spotlight. This is a massive occasion.’
In a lighthearted aside, Hallgrimsson described captain Séamus Coleman as the ultimate ‘battery’ he’s ever coached – someone who energizes the team relentlessly. For those unfamiliar with football metaphors, think of batteries as those who recharge the squad’s spirit, unlike ‘vacuums’ that drain energy. It’s a fun way to highlight Coleman’s leadership role, and perhaps a subtle nod to how individual personalities can make or break a team’s morale.
While the focus remains laser-sharp on the task ahead, Kelleher took a moment to reflect on Thursday’s triumph, revealing that the squad sensed a big win was imminent. ‘It was a monumental event for us. We felt a major victory was overdue,’ he said. ‘That sets us up perfectly for Sunday. We celebrated the win, of course, but shortly after, our minds shifted to this game and its importance. Only Sunday counts now. Everything aligned on Thursday, boosting our confidence for the next challenge. A result like that energizes the entire group, filling us with self-assurance. We’re entering Sunday fully geared up and prepared.’
Catch the Hungary vs. Republic of Ireland World Cup qualifier live on Sunday at 1:00 PM on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player. For live updates, follow the blog on the RTÉ News App or rte.ie/sport, and tune into commentary on RTÉ Radio 1.
Now, what do you think? Was Ferguson’s choice to sit out the right call, or should he have risked it for the team? Do you agree with Hallgrimsson’s temptation to repeat the lineup, or could that be a gamble too far? Share your opinions in the comments – let’s discuss this World Cup showdown!