Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said he feels the slow start to his side's play is 'psychological' and that the intense build-up may have also played a factor in conceding two goals within 16 minutes in their 2-2 draw at home against Hungary.
In their opening World Cup 2026 qualifying game at home in Dublin, the Boys in Green conceded twice in the opening 16 minutes but clawed it back to claim a draw against a ten-man Hungary.
The Icelandic native acknowledged that condeding early and coming good in the second-half is something of a pattern, but believes they have addressed the issues.
"It's something that has happened in recent games," Hallgrimsson told RTÉ Sport. "We've kind of, I'm not going to say not started the game, but it's sloppy in duels. Both these goals were from not winning our duels in the beginning of the game. And 2-0 down in 15 minutes is tough, really tough.
FT: IRL 2-2 HUN
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Hallgrimsson believes conceding early is 'psychological' and is 'hugely disappointed' to come away with one point.
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"We have already addressed that. We will address that again, but this cannot happen at this level, to be sloppy in duels."
The 2-2 draw was Hallgrimsson's tenth game in charge and his assessment is that there may be a psychological element at play.
The 58-year-old insists he is looking at his own preparations rather than blaming players.
"In my opinion, more psychological than lack of quality. Like I said, we need to address that," he said.
"I accept that maybe it's something in my preparation or how we talk before the game. But it looks like we are losing too many duels in tough situations. So absolutely not what we wanted to do."
Hallgrimsson feels another "psychological" factor could have been the intense build-up to the clash at the Aviva. The manager was quick to thank fans for their support and creating a loud atmosphere.
"Maybe it's something psychological. But we will never fix that now.
"Hugely disappointed to have only one point from our first game, especially in front of this fantastic crowd. They were magnificent today, and thanks to everybody that showed up and supported us." - Heimir Hallgrimsson
It was a game of two halves.
The head coach explained he was "proud" of his side for coming back from two down after a dismal opening half.
Evan Ferguson's goal quickly after the resumption and Roland Sallai's straight red shortly after saw the hosts huff and puff before Idah's late intervention.
"I'm proud of the guys in the second half, how they came back from this defeat. It's not easy, this level, to come back from a 2-0 down, even playing against 10 men.
"We outran them, outfought them. I think we had 40 crosses in the game. Should, of course, have scored more goals.
"I need to be happy, must be happy with the effort and the character they showed in the second half... But conceding two in the beginning, we should be unhappy with that."
