Azerbaijan 0-3 Republic of Ireland: Irish win in Baku as Robinson nets double
- Published
Callum Robinson made headlines on Tuesday when he revealed that he had chosen not to be vaccinated against Covid-19 despite twice contracting the virus
Callum Robinson's two goals helped earn a first competitive win for Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny as they beat Azerbaijan 3-0 in Baku.
After 12 winless competitive games under Kenny, the Republic's World Cup hopes were long over, but this result will ease pressure on him.
West Brom's Robinson netted his goals in the first half with sub Chiedozie Ogbene adding a late third.
Robinson revealed in midweek that he had not received a Covid-19 vaccine.
With the striker, 26, having twice tested positive for coronavirus, that admission led to something of a national debate in Ireland about whether sports people should be vaccinated in order to represent their country.
But Republic manager Kenny and John Egan, captain against Azerbaijan, stoutly defended Robinson's freedom of choice on the issue.
The frontman responded to the controversy by producing an energetic and goalscoring display in the World Cup Group A qualifier.
Robinson netted a fine second international goal as his fired into the roof of the net from just outside the penalty area in the seventh minute after a taking pass on the run from James McClean.
He claimed a double in the 39th minute when, against the run of play, Robinson's shot from just outside the box took a deflection off Azerbaijan defender Hojjat Haghverdi before deceiving home keeper Sahruddin Mehemmedeliyev.
Substitute Ogbene, who plays for League One side Rotherham, added the third in the final minute of normal time as his header squirmed underneath the Azerbaijan keeper.
Stephen Kenny watches his Republic of Ireland earn the first competitive win of his reign
Any win was going to do for Kenny
It was far from a perfect display by Kenny's 50th-ranked side against a country who stand 117th in the Fifa ratings.
After Robinson's opener, the Republic lost their way for half an hour with home defender Haghverdi missing two glorious headed chances to get the hosts level.
But Robinson's second strike gave them breathing space and the introduction of St Mirren's Jamie McGrath for Daryl Horgan at half-time gave Kenny's side more midfield control after the break.
Robinson had four chances to complete his hat-trick with McClean and Shane Duffy also squandering opportunities.
Prior to Ogbene's late effort, Azerbaijan produced some pressure with young Republic keeper Gavin Bazunu tipping a Qara Garayev shot onto the underside of his crossbar.
Republic wing-back Matt Doherty also looked fortunate not to concede a penalty when the scoreline was 2-0 as he appeared to handle with the referee instead deciding that Azerbaijan striker Mahir Emreli had first pulled the Tottenham player's jersey.
Robinson justifies Republic recall
Robinson's inclusion for the suspended Alan Browne was one of two changes from last month's 1-1 home draw with Serbia - Horgan also replaced McGrath - and he totally justified his selection.
He had already been involved in the Republic's best early moments before putting them ahead.
McClean's feint after taking a pass from Josh Cullen gave him space to find Robinson with a pass towards the edge of the Azerbaijan penalty area and, after a taking an initial touch with his right foot, the forward lofted a stunning effort with his left boot from 20 yards.
But the Republic were pushed deep into their own territory for the next 30 minutes.
Haghverdi missed with a free header from eight yards out and nodded another chance wide.
Keeper Bazunu saved a Filip Ozobic effort before Robinson, with his back to goal, took a pass from Horgan and fired in a deflected effort.
The Republic missed several opportunities to add to their tally but, after weathering the hosts' rally, Ogbene - who became the first African-born player to represent the Irish in June - headed home the third.
What's next?
The Republic face World Cup hosts Qatar in a friendly in Dublin on Tuesday before finishing their Group A campaign with a home contest against leaders Portugal on 11 November and concluding game at Luxembourg three days later.
Serbia's 1-0 win in Luxembourg on Saturday moved them to the head of the table ahead of Portugal and was also a result that ended any mathematical hopes the Irish had of securing a place in next year's finals in Qatar.
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