The Republic of Ireland secured a significant advantage over Bulgaria by winning 2-1 in the first leg of their Nations League play-off. The final match, held at the Hristo Botev Stadium in Plovdiv, saw about 7,835 fans enjoy a hard-fought contest. This was how Ireland celebrated their special day. Finn Azaz doubled their lead and Matt Doherty tripled it. This was just after Bulgaria’s Marin Petkov had taken the early lead. This win under the guidance of Icelandic coach Heimir Hallgrimsson marks their third success in seven games, setting a positive tone for the return leg scheduled in Dublin on Sunday.
Early Lead and Quick Equalizer
Bulgaria opened the scoring in spectacular fashion with a long range effort from Marin Petkov. He deftly struck a left-footed curling shot that bounced off the bottom of the right post and into the goal. Ireland answered immediately, with substitute Finn Azaz scoring his first goal for the international side. Azaz’s equaliser was a fantastic finish, only made possible by an equally incredible deep cross from Troy Parrott. What an example encapsulating Ireland’s character and attacking threat.
The final was a display of deep strategic combat. Yet Hallgrimsson’s five rapid tactical changes had a real effect on the shape and tempo of play. Perhaps the most notable change was that of a debutant for Rocco Vata, coming on to replace Jason Knight.
Doherty's Decisive Strike
It was Matt Doherty who scored the winning goal with a magnificent powerful header from a 42nd-minute corner. His strike gave Ireland a 2-1 advantage as they went into halftime. The Republic of Ireland held their discipline and defensive control during the second half to hold onto this advantage.
Caoimhín Kelleher had a great game to continue to cement himself as first-choice goalkeeper, showing composure under pressure from Bulgaria. That last element underscored Hallgrimsson’s gutsy tactical choice to start Troy Parrott over Evan Ferguson in the attack. This was one of seven revisions he made from their starting boiler room at Wembley.
Bulgaria ultimately placed second in group C3, but this was a far cry from their powerful start. It proved impossible to match those spirited attempts by Ireland, again particularly after that comprehensive loss in Belfast.
Preparing for the Return Leg
The first leg was a steep climb. The match then became a scrappy game, full of yellow cards and niggling injuries. Most notably, Robbie Brady was left with a bloodied nose after the bruising affair. With a collective performance from Ireland, they moved one step closer to keeping the all-important League B status.
Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson expressed satisfaction with his team's efforts:
"It was a good collective performance today." – Heimir Hallgrimsson
Turning to the second leg, which will take place at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, Ireland will have a chance to double down on their lead. The entire team will look to build off their early advantage and lock in their spot at the big dance.
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