Adam Idah’s Late Equaliser Boosts Ireland’s World Cup Hopes

Adam Idah’s injury-time equaliser at the Aviva Stadium has reignited Ireland’s hopes for a spot in the upcoming World Cup. The Swansea forward came off the bench to score in the dying moments of a match that saw Ireland trailing 2-0 against Hungary. Despite the late goal, Idah expressed disappointment that it was not the winning strike, given the number of chances Ireland created throughout the game.

The match began unfavourably for Ireland, who fell behind early with two goals from Hungary within the first 15 minutes. However, a determined second-half performance shifted the momentum. Following a red card issued to Hungary’s Roland Sallai, Ireland capitalised, with Evan Ferguson providing a glimmer of hope before Idah’s crucial equaliser.

Idah Reflects on Team Performance

Idah, reflecting on the match, stated, “We’re probably disappointed. The first half was poor. To go 2-0 down quite early on was tough.” His admission highlights the team’s struggle to find their rhythm in the early stages. Despite this, he praised the squad’s resilience, noting that they regrouped effectively after the challenging start.

“We showed great determination and belief that we could swing it around,” he added. The Cork native emphasised the importance of taking advantage of their home crowd’s support, especially after Hungary was reduced to ten men. “We had full belief that we were going to score but I thought we were going to score more,” he said, encapsulating the team’s frustration at not securing a win.

Role as a Supersub

Idah, who was introduced in the final 12 minutes, has developed a reputation for being a reliable supersub. His late goal against Hungary echoes his performance in March against Bulgaria, when he similarly made an impact from the bench. “It must be something I’m really good at!” he remarked, expressing his desire to contribute to the team’s success regardless of starting status.

“If I can’t start, I’ve got to come on, make a difference and prove to the manager why I should be playing the games,” he stated. His commitment to the team’s goals is evident as he reiterated that the ultimate aim is to qualify for the World Cup. “We want to go to the World Cup. However I can help, I’m happy to do so,” he affirmed.

As Ireland prepares for their next match against Armenia, Idah’s late goal serves as a reminder of the team’s potential. The squad is determined to build momentum and secure their place in the World Cup. The path ahead is challenging, but with players like Idah stepping up, the dream remains alive.