The Republic of Ireland eased the pressure on Stephen Kenny as they produced one of the most comfortable football results of the weekend in Euro 2024 qualifying. Ireland’s loss on Friday in Greece left them with no points in Group B and an uphill battle to qualify for Euro 2024 after only two games. But despite Ireland’s lethargic first-half effort, Gibraltar were the ideal opponent for Kenny’s team since they had dropped all of their prior qualifiers since becoming a competitive international team. After the interval, the home team significantly improved, and Michael Johnston, a replacement, gave the home team the lead before Evan Ferguson and Adam Idah drove home headers to give Ireland their first points in their attempt to qualify for the German championships that will take place next summer.
Prior to Monday’s match at the Aviva Stadium, Ireland was nine points behind Les Blues and six points behind Greece following their losses to France and Athens, respectively. These two teams still hold the top two slots in Group B, but after France defeated Greece 1-0 and Ireland earned their first victory, Kenny’s squad is now only three points behind the leaders. Although Gibraltar, which is rated 201st in the world, held Ireland to a scoreless first half, the mood was not as upbeat at halftime. Dayle Coleing, the visiting custodian, turned away Jamie McGrath’s low effort during a hectic opening period when he could have scored within the first 60 seconds. Ferguson and McGrath were both stopped by Coleing.
Ferguson also lost a wonderful opportunity when he mishandled a header after Coleing sprinted from his goal, while Michael Obafemi erred with a ball in front of the net and James McClean, who was making his 100th appearance for Ireland, had numerous inviting corners go awry. At halftime, Kenny changed his strategy, giving up one of his three center-backs against a resolute Gibraltar and substituting Johnston, who scored his first goal for Ireland by turning in Will Smallbone’s deflected free-kick from close range.
Ferguson then headed in his first competitive international goal to lessen the tense atmosphere in Dublin, and Josh Cullen and Johnston were subsequently stopped in their tracks by quick saves from Coleing, a Gibraltar top-flight player for Lincoln Red Imps. Following Louie Annesley’s spectacular save from McClean, Gibraltar came within inches of scoring a shocking goal when Gavin Bazunu turned away Niels Hartman from a corner. With Idah joining Johnston in scoring his first goal for Ireland in stoppage time, the home team ultimately prevailed. This gave Ireland a somewhat better chance to qualify for another big event this summer.
Given his team’s back-to-back losses at the beginning of qualifying, Kenny must have been overjoyed to see Gibraltar up next on Ireland’s schedule. Given that they have lost every qualification they have ever played, Gibraltar’s visit is as near to a freebie as it gets in international football, so Kenny’s choice to line up with three center-backs seemed puzzling. Ireland struggled in the first half, but the manager deserves praise for admitting his mistake at the break and bringing on the dynamic Johnston for the second.
The winger gave Ireland’s previously lackluster performance some much-needed vigor. He switched his international allegiance from Scotland earlier this year and spent the season on loan at Vitoria Guimaraes in Portugal from Celtic. Ferguson was equally brilliant; he successfully led the line and made sure to round off his breakout year with another deserving goal. Ferguson and Johnston should offer Ireland’s supporters optimism for the future, even if they may not have a chance to advance out of Group B and Kenny will need to do more than just guide his team to victory vs Gibraltar to win over the sceptics.
“Simply maintaining our composure and believing in ourselves was crucial. We produced several moments. 32 shots were taken during the game, however, the first goal was the most important,” the Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny said. “In the opening minute, we had a fantastic opportunity that we missed. Once the first aim is achieved, the stress subsides and everyone can unwind. Of course, Gibraltar, the group’s lowest seed, was anticipated to lose to us. The result was the same as when France and Holland both defeated Gibraltar by a score of 3-0, against the anticipation. We missed some opportunities, and we definitely should have won by a lot more.”
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