Ireland did their job on the road by claiming a 2-1 win away to Bulgaria in the first-leg of their UEFA Nations League relegation play-off on Thursday evening.
Finn Azaz was the star of the show as the Boys in Green came from a goal behind to win on the road for the second time under Heimir Hallgrímsson and take momentum into the second leg on Sunday.
Azaz headed home a well-worked equaliser from close range, Robbie Brady finding Troy Parrott with a signature cross before he deftly tee'd up the Middlesbrough man.
What a well worked goal from Ireland, with Brady, Parrott and Azaz showing their quality 👏
Brilliant cross from Brady to find Parrott who was so composed in tee'ing up Azazpic.twitter.com/oPTIuDQjlY
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) March 20, 2025
It was another Irish header which proved vital ahead of the break, Matt Doherty bravely chasing a long-ball from Josh Cullen to get the winner.
The ball from Josh Cullen 😮💨
The bravery and header from Matt Doherty 💪
Another delightful goal has Ireland in front at the break ☘️pic.twitter.com/9SWJ3uolRg
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) March 20, 2025
The second-half was as scrappy as it gets with Bulgaria consistently drawing fouls the referee was only too happy to call.
But Ireland were happy to see the clock run down as they approached halfway in the tie with their second clash yet to come in the Aviva Stadium.
Brian Kerr Explains Why Best Could Yet Come For Ireland
Brian Kerr gave a positive appraisal of what he witnessed from Ireland when speaking on Vigin Media, labelling the win 'satisfactory' albeit noting Bulgaria's lack of quality.
What seemed to give the former Ireland boss more encouragement was how Ireland got the job done without a list of key men fit and firing.
Kerr pointed to the glaring absences of Chiedozie Ogbene, Festy Ebosele, Will Smallbone and Sammie Szmodics as further reasons to celebrate Ireland's win.
It was a good result given they were missing the likes of Ogbene, Festy, Will Smallbone and Szmodics as well.
"They are very good players who probably should be in our best starting XI.
"So it was a satisfactory win against very poor opposition."
Meanwhile. Richard Dunne who was alongside Kerr felt that Ireland looked 'streets ahead' of the League C level, which critics have claimed is where Ireland belong of late.
They'll go into the game with full belief that they can go and score a few goals against this Bulgaria side because they do lack quality," Dunne said
"Looking at Ireland people have said 'do they deserve to be in League B?' On tonight's performance they looked streets ahead of level C.
"Fingers crossed it is a good night on Sunday, we score a few goals and give everyone something to support with this Ireland side."
Any encouraging night and another win on the road to go with the victory in Helsinki in late 2024 as Ireland look to gather more momentum under their new manager.
