The Republic of Ireland recorded a 2-1 victory over Bulgaria on Sunday at the Aviva Stadium to claim a 4-2 aggregate in the Nations League Group B play-off game.
Having won the first leg 2-1 in Plovdiv, Ireland saw the aggregate score levelled through a Valentin Antov effort. The goal came from the visitor’s first real threat on the home goal.
However, second-half goals from Evan Ferguson and Adam Idah sealed a morale-boosting victory. The victory meant that the Republic recorded two straight wins for the first time since March 2023.
An underwhelming The Nations League campaign
Ireland were not great in the Nations League group stage. They finished third place in Group B2, having won two and lost four of their games. Granted, the presence of England in the group wasn’t ideal, but the other teams, Greece and Finland, were beatable for Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side.
However, Greece turned out to be one of the surprise packages in the competition, finishing level with group winners England on 15 points and finishing as runners-up in the group.
Both of the Republic’s two victories came against the group whipping boys Finland, who ended their campaign having lost all six of their Group B2 encounters. Ireland scored just three goals in their six games while conceding 12 goals.
Improvement needed ahead of World Cup qualifiers
The Republic of Ireland have been drawn in Group F for the World Cup 2026 qualifiers alongside Portugal, Hungary and Armenia.
Portugal are not just favourites to win the group but will be among the fancied teams to win the competition in the USA, Mexico and Canada. With only one automatic qualification spot available from the group, it will be difficult for Ireland to qualify for the World Cup automatically.
Finishing second place in the group and a place in the play-offs is a more realistic route to the World Cup. It’s a route that has seen Ireland qualify for the World Cup in the past.
Armenia will be considered to be the biggest underdogs, while Hungary will likely be one of the contenders for a runners-up spot at least. On paper, the games against Hungary could well prove decisive for the Republic’s chances of making it to the World Cup.
However, the team will be confident that they can cause group favourites Portugal issues if the team are at their best. Meanwhile, the team can’t afford any complacency in the games against Armenia.
One thing is for sure, the Republic of Ireland have to produce better performances and results in qualifying than they did in their Nations League campaign. No doubt, England was always going to be tough opponents, so two defeats were not unexpected. However, the nature of the 5-0 defeat at Wembley was poor.
Ireland has some developing talents in the squad
The Republic has always had talented players, but in recent years, the team has lacked quality. The current squad has a sprinkle of players in their early and mid-20s who are plying their trade in high-level leagues and competitions.
One player who has shined in the English top-flight of late is defender Jake O’Brien, who has been playing out-of-position for the Toffees at right-back. Ironically, his form for Ireland has not been great. Hopefully, however, his club form will be reflected in his international displays.
Evan Ferguson has struggled for club game time this season, having experienced injury issues at Brighton before a January loan switch to West Ham.
However, he scored a vital goal against Bulgaria and also in the Nations League win over Finland. He has undoubted potential, which, if fulfilled, could make him a key player for his country.
Striker Troy Parrott was once considered the new Harry Kane at Tottenham. Now 23, he didn’t quite make it in north London, but a summer move to Dutch side AZ has helped him find his goalscoring form.
This season, he has scored 17 goals in all competitions. A bit like O’Brien, he hasn’t been at his best in an Ireland shirt. He still has plenty of time to add to his five international goals.
Although not playing at the highest level, attacking midfielder Finn Azaz has been a crucial player for Middlesbrough in the Championship. Like Ferguson, Azaz scored a vital goal in the Nations League play-off.
The likes of Nathan Collins and Caoimhin Kelleher are also in their mid-20s and could well be key players for the Republic team in the coming years.
The current squad certainly does not lack players who can make a big impact on the international stage. Hopefully, that impact will start in the World Cup qualifiers in September.
