Ireland to face Czech Republic in World Cup Play-offs

Ireland face a trip away to the Czech Republic in their World Cup play-off semi-finals following the draw today in Zurich. Should Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side overcome that challenge they will enjoy home advantage against either Denmark or North Macedonia. The Danes defeated Ireland 5-1 in 2017 to book a place at the 2018 World Cup. Elsewhere Northern Ireland will face Italy in their semi-final clash with the winner set to face Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina.

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Dramatic Parrott hat-trick sickens Hungary as Ireland earn play-off spot

Troy Parrott completed a hat-trick with virtually the last kick of the game as the Republic of Ireland came from behind to beat Hungary and reach the World Cup play-offs. Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side needed a win in Budapest to secure a spot in the play-offs. Daniel Lukacs’ fourth-minute header gave Hungary the ideal start, and while Troy Parrott’s penalty brought the Irish level, Barnabas Varga’s stunning strike restored the home side’s lead before the break. In a nail-biting second half, Parrott’s deft finish 10 minutes from time setup a grand stand finale and the Dubliner popped up at the death to poke home a memorable winner.

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Ireland’s Chiedozie Ogbene joins Ipswich from Luton

Ipswich have sealed the £8m signing of Luton winger Chiedozie Ogbene. The Ireland international, 27, has signed a four-year deal at Portman Road and becomes their 10th signing since they returned to the Premier League. The Tractor Boys had been looking for another forward despite spending almost £100m this summer, after winger Wes Burns suffered a hamstring injury in the 2-0 opening day defeat by Liverpool.

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Ogbene to the rescue as Ireland beat Latvia

Evan Ferguson scored his first international goal as the Republic of Ireland beat Latvia 3-2 in a friendly at Aviva Stadium. Callum O’Dowda had given Ireland an early lead however Roberts Uldrikis pulled a goal back with a screamer and Arturs Zjuzins levelled in first-half injury time. Substitute Chiedozie Ogbene struck a winner in the second half.

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Parrott strikes late to give Ireland victory over Lithuania

Troy Parrott scored a brilliant late winner to hand Ireland a hard fought victory over Lithuania in their international friendly at the Aviva Stadium. The Boys in Green had the ball in the Lithuanian net four times on the night each being ruled out for offside before Parrott struck at the death,

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