Ireland beat Armenia 1-0 to keep World Cup qualifying hopes alive

Republic of Ireland kept their World Cup qualifying hopes alive with a 1-0 win over Armenia at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Tuesday, Evan Ferguson heading home the decisive goal in the 70th minute after Armenia had been reduced to 10 men for a secondhalf red card. The victory was Ireland's first of the Group F campaign and moved them level with Hungary on points, but still behind in the table on goal difference after Hungary salvaged a late draw in Lisbon.

The match turned shortly after the interval when Armenia captain Tigran Barseghyan was sent off for headbutting Finn Azaz, leaving his side a man down and shifting momentum in Ireland's favour. Will Smallbone's short corner routine created the goal, with his cross met by Ferguson for a close-range header that broke the deadlock. Ireland held on despite a late disallowed goal and several tense moments as Armenia's goalkeeper Henri Avagyan produced a string of notable saves.

Ireland had struggled to create clear chances in a subdued first half, with Armenia looking dangerous on the break and Eduard Spertsyan missing a key opportunity. The home side's shape changed after the red card, allowing them to press higher and fashion...