Kevin Doyle admits the Republic of Ireland had to sacrifice style for substance with an "effective" performance amid white-hot conditions in Armenia.
A 76th minute goal from Birmingham midfielder Keith Fahey ensured Ireland got their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign off to a winning start in 30 degree heat in Yerevan.
Doyle produced another typically impressive display as he came through the 90 minutes despite encountering the hottest conditions he has ever played in.
"I don't know what the game looked like on TV for fans back home but these were the toughest conditions to play in, the hottest I have ever played in," he said.
"We found it difficult to get to terms with the heat, especially in the first half, but eventually we got hold of the game and got on top in the second half so I think we deserved our goal.
"But it wasn't easy - this was our first game since the World Cup so it was always going to be difficult.
"It was effective, we created some good chances and it was nice to win it.
"It would be nicer if, for once, we had succeeded in making it more comfortable for ourselves by taking more than one of our chances but we always seem to make it difficult for ourselves.
"They had a corner right at the end to give us reason to worry again but we got the win and that was what important, especially in our first game of the tournament away from home and in 30 degrees of heat."
Next up for the Republic is the visit of Andorra to the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday night.
