The Republic of Ireland breathed new life into their World Cup qualifying campaign with a much-needed win over 10-man Armenia at Aviva Stadium. Aided by Armenia captain Tigran Barseghyan’s red card for aiming a headbutt at Finn Azaz early in the second half, the hosts overcame a sluggish start and scored the only goal through Evan Ferguson.
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Ireland’s woes continued in Portugal as an injury-time goal proved the difference as Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side were narrowly edged out in Lisbon, losing 1-0 at the Jose Alvalade Stadium. A brave and battling performance eventually counted for nothing as the home side, once again, broke Irish hearts in added time thanks to Ruben Neves’ powerful header.
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Evan Ferguson scored his first goal since November as the Republic of Ireland preserved their Nations League B status with a 4-2 aggregate victory over Bulgaria. Adam Idah struck after coming off the bench to secure a 2-1 play-off second-leg win in Dublin to give the fans something to celebrate after Valentin Antov had given the visitors a shock lead.
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Finn Azaz and Matt Doherty scored first-half headers as the Republic of Ireland battled back to beat Bulgaria 2-1 in the first leg of their Nations League play-off. Marin Petkov fired the hosts into an early lead at a sparsely-populated Hristo Botev Stadium in Plovdiv but midfielder Azaz quickly levelled with his first international goal.
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Senegal will become the first African team to play at the Aviva Stadium when they visit Ireland for a friendly in June. Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side will then head to Luxembourg for another friendly, their last fixture before World Cup qualification begins in September. Ireland last faced an African side 15 years ago when Algeria visited Dublin with the home side running out 3-0 winners.
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