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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England sealed promotion to the UEFA Nations League top tier after a 5-0 win over Republic of Ireland. After a goalless first half, the game changed when England were awarded a penalty when Liam Scales brought down Jude Bellingham. Scales was sent off and Harry Kane scored the penalty. Anthony Gordon, Conor Gallagher, Jarrod Bowen and Taylor Harwood-Bellis also found themselves on the scoresheet.
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Evan Ferguson’s goal and a superb penalty save from Caoimhin Kelleher helped Ireland to a 1-0 win over Finland in their UEFA Nations League clash. Finland were twice denied by the woodwork before Brighton striker Ferguson headed in from a Mikey Johnston cross on the stroke of half-time. The visitors were pushing for a deserved leveller when they were awarded a 77th-minute penalty after a VAR check for a handball by Ferguson.
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Ireland were left to rue a controversial early penalty decision as their dismal run against Greece continued in Piraeus. Evan Ferguson was clearly fouled by Lazarus Rota as he looked poised to punish an fourth-minute Greek blunder but there was no VAR check and their conquerors scored second half goals through Tasos Bakasetas and Petros Mantalos to stay top of the UEFA Nations League table.
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