Ireland’s Evan Ferguson is tackled by Luxembourg’s Leandro Barreiro during last night’s friendly at Stade de Luxembourg. Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Heimir Hallgrimsson received a birthday card from the Ireland fans before the game, but the congratulations ended there.
The Icelander will turn 59 on the eve of next summer’s World Cup and has indicated that he plans to spend his birthday at the very top table but this drab affair would strengthen the case that such proclamations are grounded in hope rather than expectation.