Ireland Draws 0-0 With Luxembourg Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson expressed disappointment over his team's lackluster 0-0 draw with Luxembourg, criticizing their 'sloppy' and 'boring' first-half performance that lacked the intensity and quick play shown against Senegal. Although Ireland hit the woodwork twice and kept a clean sheet—the first under Hallgrimsson—the overall effort was insufficient, especially given Luxembourg's much lower FIFA ranking. Hallgrimsson emphasized the need for consistent performance against all opponents, whether in friendlies or competitive matches, as Ireland prepares for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Hungary and Armenia. Despite the uninspiring display, Hallgrimsson sees the match as a learning experience rather than a setback, attributing some of the lethargy to player fatigue after a long season. The manager, who recently celebrated his 58th birthday, insists the team must maintain momentum and improve its tempo and pressing. The comments collectively underscore the gap Ireland must close to compete effectively on the international stage.