Though they went a goal down early in the first half, the Republic of Ireland were able to respond to Bulgaria with two goals of their own as they won 2-1 away from home in their UEFA Nations League playoff first leg.
The Irish fans were again part of the story of Ireland's win.
It's a 3000+ kilometre trip from Dublin to Plovdiv but there was a large and vocal Irish support last night.
Satisfied with his team's work to grab the goals back, Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson also felt it was necessary to credit the Irish fans who were travelling to support the team abroad.
These people [the fans] over there [were] amazing, and I hope we get the same, and more support when we get home
Heimir Hallgrimsson is relishing the second leg at home in Dublin after a confidence boosting away win but thinks his side were too passive in the second-half.
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Considering the fact that Ireland conceded only six minutes in, the support and determination of the fans to not falter for one moment was a huge factor in The Boys in Green taking away the first-leg win, and it is expected that the support will be even greater when Ireland face Bulgaria at home this Sunday in the Aviva.
Ireland play Bulgaria again at the Aviva on Sunday evening. Kick-off is at 7.45pm.
