Postpublished at 20:01 Greenwich Mean Time 20 March
Bulgaria 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Matt Doherty is penalised for a foul on Kiril Despodov and Bulgaria now have a free-kick.
Summary
Bulgaria 1-2 Republic of Ireland (result)
Republic of Ireland aiming to maintain Nations League B status
Bulgaria attempting to move up from Nations League C
Second leg in Dublin on Sunday
Postpublished at 20:01 Greenwich Mean Time 20 March
Postpublished at 20:00 Greenwich Mean Time 20 March
Bulgaria 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Kiril Despodov's strike is straight at Caoimhin Kelleher, to the relief of the away fans.
Postpublished at 19:56 Greenwich Mean Time 20 March
Bulgaria 1-0 Republic of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland had made a bright start to the match and were dominating proceedings before the goal.
Will they be able to respond?
Image source, Inpho
GOAL- Bulgaria 1-0 Republic of Irelandpublished at 19:53 Greenwich Mean Time 20 March
Marin Petkov- 6 mins
The home side break the deadlock through their first chance of the game!
Filip Krastev shows great skill to backheel the ball to the unmarked Marin Petkov at the edge of the box, whose strike pings off the post on its route into the bottom corner.
Image source, InphoCLOSE!published at 19:52 Greenwich Mean Time 20 March
Bulgaria 0-0 Republic of Ireland
Another chance for Ryan Manning!
Finn Azaz does well to find Manning in the box with space. However his header doesn't test stopper Dimitar Mitov.
Postpublished at 19:50 Greenwich Mean Time 20 March
Bulgaria 0-0 Republic of Ireland
Robbie Brady's cross from the left wing is steered towards goal by Ryan Manning, but Dimitar Mituv is alert to the danger and thwarts the chance.
'Expect to get a result'published at 19:48 Greenwich Mean Time 20 March
Bulgaria 0-0 Republic of Ireland
Stephen Kelly
Former Republic of Ireland right back on RTEThis is not going to be easy but you would expect to come here and get a result with the form the Bulgarians have been in.
Postpublished at 19:48 Greenwich Mean Time 20 March
Bulgaria 0-0 Republic of Ireland
Right from the kick-off, the Republic of Ireland are pushing forward.
Will they be able to find an early goal?
KICK-OFFpublished at 19:46 Greenwich Mean Time 20 March
Bulgaria 0-0 Republic of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland's pursuit of keeping their League B status in the Nations League is under way.
There's a late change for the home side with Anton Nedyalkov replacing Viktor Popov in defence.
'Few goals expected'published at 19:44 Greenwich Mean Time 20 March
Bulgaria v Republic of Ireland (19:45 GMT)
Shay Given
Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper on RTEI don't think there will be a lot of goals to be honest but I think we can sneak it.
Republic of Ireland face Senegal and Luxembourg in Junepublished at 19:42 Greenwich Mean Time 20 March
Bulgaria v Republic of Ireland (19:45 GMT)
The Republic of Ireland have confirmed summer friendlies against Senegal and Luxembourg.
The Republic of Ireland will host Senegal, who are 17th in the Fifa world rankings, at the Aviva Stadium with the exact date in June yet to be finalised.
They will then travel to Luxembourg on 10 June in the final game before they begin their World Cup qualifying campaign against Hungary, Armenia and either Portugal or Denmark.
Hallgrimsson said: "I'm delighted the association has been able to secure top quality opposition in Senegal, testing ourselves against a top tier international side is crucial for the players' development but also for our preparations for World Cup qualifying which starts in September.
"Luxembourg [will be a] different type of test for our players away from home and crucially, our final game before the World Cup campaign starts."
Hallgrimsson clarifies LOI 'career change' commentspublished at 19:39 Greenwich Mean Time 20 March
Bulgaria v Republic of Ireland (19:45 GMT)
Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson has clarified comments he made in the wake of Shamrock Rovers' success in European competition earlier this season.
In December, Hallgrimsson said he hoped Rovers players would get "career change from this success" after the Dublin club reached the Uefa Conference League play-off round.
It prompted an angry response from Rovers boss Stephen Bradley, who labelled, external, external the remarks "incredibly disrespectful".
However, Hallgrimsson insists he meant no offence to Rovers or the League of Ireland.
"If I said it in a way that players need to leave to get into the national team that was not the way it was meant," said the Icelandic coach.
"My English is not perfect, but if I said it in a wrong way, I apologise for that. That is not my feeling. It was not meant as a disrespect to the League of Ireland."
The 57-year-old highlighted his previous willingness to call up domestic-based players in his roles with Iceland and Jamaica.
"If you look at my past as a national team coach, I have regularly taken domestic players into the national team just to shake the boat and to respect the league," Hallgrimsson explained.
"If you do as well as Shamrock Rovers did you are playing at the level we are comparing the other players to.
"I was complimenting Rovers and what is probably going to happen that if you do good in European competitions you draw attention to the club and there will be big attention on the players and the coach."
However, Hallgrimsson believes the backlash that followed has been unwarranted and has only added to the split he sees at the heart of Irish football.
"It feels that way for me [that there is a divide], it feels like it is a fight, and I don't understand it," he said
"If the national team does well, the League of Ireland does well and we're all in the same boat.
"So, whatever the issue is, we need to solve that and work together towards the future. Maybe I am naive, but that is my take on it."
Image source, Inpho'Chance to play offensively'published at 19:36 Greenwich Mean Time 20 March
Bulgaria v Republic of Ireland (19:45 GMT)
Shay Given
Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper on RTEBulgaria are a team in disarray. I think this is a really good opportunity for the Irish team to play more offensively, be on the front foot.
Everything seems fine' with Hallgrimsson - Dohertypublished at 19:33 Greenwich Mean Time 20 March
Bulgaria v Republic of Ireland (19:45 GMT)
Republic of Ireland defender Matt Doherty says he has a "good relationship" with Heimir Hallgrimsson despite his criticism of the manager last year.
Doherty, 33, publicly expressed frustration with his omission from the squad for the Nations League games against Finland and Greece in October.
The Wolves man was a late call-up for the return contest against Finland and game against England the next month and has again been included in the squad for this week's Nations League play-off against Bulgaria.
"I stand by the comments I made at the time. It was a long time ago and a lot has kind of passed since then," said the former Tottenham Hotspur player.
"At the moment we have a good relationship and everything seems to be fine. We haven't spoken too much.
"We cleared things up I think the last time I was in camp, so everything seems fine now."
Doherty won his 48th cap when he started the game against Finland in November, although he was an unused substitute in the 5-0 defeat by England.
He added: "You want to be in every squad as a player, it's natural to think that.
"Obviously I was disappointed at the time, which I said, but I have managed to work my way back in."
Since Vitor Pereira took over as manager of Wolves in December, Doherty has been regularly featuring on the right-hand side of a back three and has started the club's last 16 Premier League games.
Republic of Ireland assistant manager John O'Shea says Doherty is a "totally different animal" with minutes under his belt.
"It's straightforward, once Matt is playing and playing well, it's the key," said the former Manchester United defender.
"He'll know that himself, he's a totally different animal when he's playing football.
"You can see that now when playing for Wolves. When we have that Matt, he's always going to be in this squad - simple as that."
Image source, InphoPostpublished at 19:30 Greenwich Mean Time 20 March
Bulgaria v Republic of Ireland (19:45 GMT)
The travelling Republic of Ireland fans have been soaking up the sun in Plovdiv ahead of this evening's game.
Image source, Inpho
Image source, Inpho
Image source, Inpho'I would have started Ferguson'published at 19:26 Greenwich Mean Time 20 March
Bulgaria v Republic of Ireland (19:45 GMT)
Didi Hamann
Former Germany midfielder on RTEI think Evan Ferguson is one of the biggest talents in Irish football, English football and probably European football.
He finds it hard at West Ham where he is on loan now, but if you want to qualify for the World Cup, do you think it is possible to do that without Ferguson scoring goals in the qualifying campaign? I don't think it is.
I would have started him tonight, maybe with Parrott or maybe ahead of him.
Team news - Troy Parrott leads threat upfront for Republic of Irelandpublished at 19:23 Greenwich Mean Time 20 March
Bulgaria v Republic of Ireland (19:45 GMT)
Republic of IrelandHeimir Hallgrimsson names a much changed starting XI compared to the side who were defeated 5-0 by England in their last Nations League game.
In a total of seven changes, Matt Doherty, Ryan Manning, Jason Knight, Finn Azaz, Mikey Johnston, Robbie Brady and Troy Parrott all start.
Evan Ferguson drops to the bench with Mark McGuinness, Callum O'Dowda, Festy Ebosele and Sammie Szmodics all injured and Liam Scales and Jayson Molumby suspended.
Bulgaria: Mitov, V Popov, Atanasov, A Petkov, Nuemberger, Despodov, F Krastev, Gruev, L Petkov, Kraev, M Petkov.
Subs: Sheytanov, P lliev, Antov, Kirilov, Nikolov, Kraev, Shopov, Nedyalkov, S Petrov, Minkov, Panayotov, ll IIiev.
Republic of Ireland: Kelleher, Doherty, O'Shea, Collins, Manning, Johnston, Cullen, Azaz, Knight, Brady, Parrott.
Subs: Bazunu, Travers, O'Brien, Ferguson, Idah, Dunne, Sykes, Vata, Moran, Taylor, Armstrong, Abankwah.
'It's important Republic of Ireland stay in League B'published at 19:19 Greenwich Mean Time 20 March
Bulgaria v Republic of Ireland (19:45 GMT)
Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson says it is "important" the Republic of Ireland retain their place in League B of the Nations League.
The Republic face Bulgaria in the first leg of a relegation-promotion play-off in Plovdiv this evening.
Hallgrimsson, who took over as manager in July, says retaining their League B status is crucial to the development of the team.
"My thoughts are that we need to play good opponents day in and day out to develop as a team," Hallgrimsson said.
"That's why League B is important for us. There are differing views on it and I respect that, but I think it's really important to stay in League B and play higher-ranked opponents."
The Republic of Ireland dropped into the play-off after finishing in third place behind England and Greece in League B2.
Bulgaria were second in League C3 behind winners Northern Ireland, who inflicted a 5-0 defeat on Ilian Iliev's side in October at Windsor Park.
"The strength of the Bulgaria team is their collective," Hallgrimsson added.
"They are an honest team, tactically solid and difficult to break down.
"If you look at the recent results, since Ilian Iliev took over, 12 games and one loss, and that was a big defeat in Northern Ireland but that was an outlier.
"They conceded five goals but they were without five players, missed a penalty and hit the crossbar.
"They have had really good results in Plovdiv and I understand why they wanted to play here."
The second leg takes place at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Sunday.
Image source, InphoPlay-off time in Plovdiv for Republic of Irelandpublished at 19:15 Greenwich Mean Time 20 March
Bulgaria v Republic of Ireland (19:45 GMT)
Hello and welcome to our live text commentary of tonight's Nations League B promotion/relegation play-off between Bulgaria and the Republic of Ireland in Plovdiv.
The Republic are trying to maintain their League B status over the two legs, whilst an improving Bulgaria side are seeking promotion from League C, after they finished behind Northern Ireland in their Nations League campaign.
With the return leg to come in Dublin on Sunday, Heimir Hallgrimsson will be hoping for a positive result to take home which can also kickstart what he hopes will be a good year for the boys in green with World Cup qualifiers starting in September.
Thanks for joining us - enjoy!
Image source, Inpho
Doherty netted his third international goal in the Republic of Ireland's victory in Plovdiv
The Republic of Ireland came from behind to beat Bulgaria in the first leg of their Nations League promotion/relegation play-off at the Hristo Botev Stadium.
They had a terrible start in Plovdiv as they fell behind to Marin Petkov's sixth-minute goal.
Heimir Hallgrimsson's side rallied, though, and levelled on 21 minutes through Finn Azaz's close-range finish for his first international goal, before Matt Doherty headed them into a 42nd-minute lead.
The Republic saw out the stop-start second half to take a narrow lead into Sunday's second leg in Dublin.
Republic recover to take crucial advantage
Azaz headed home his first international goal to level for the Republic of Ireland
The Republic enjoyed a bright start in what was an action-packed first half, as Ryan Manning went close, heading straight at Dimitar Mitov after meeting Azaz's inviting cross.
The hosts then opened the scoring with their first foray forward. Lukas Petkov was afforded too much time and space to pick out Filip Krastev and he neatly backheeled the ball to Petkov, whose low first-time strike from the edge of the area went in off the post.
Manning went close again with another header at the other end, before the visitors equalised with a well-worked move.
Robbie Brady's deep delivery from the left fell to Troy Parrott at the back post and he cushioned the ball into Azaz, who had a simple headed finish.
They were inches away from taking the lead on 34 minutes as Mikey Johnston took a quick free-kick to slip in Parrott on the right-hand side of the box and he drilled the ball across the face of goal, just evading the slide of captain Nathan Collins.
The Republic did take a half-time lead as Josh Cullen clipped the ball forward to Doherty, who darted inside and bravely beat Mitov to head into the empty net.
The second half was a much scrappier affair, with neither side able to fashion clear-cut chances on a pitch that cut up greatly.
Watford teenager Rocco Vata came on for his international debut in one of five second-half changes that added little going forward, but the Republic saw the game out, with a crucial second leg to follow at the Aviva Stadium.
Related topics
UEFA Nations League Scores & Fixtures
Thursday 20th March
UEFA Nations League Table
On Thursday 20th March
Skip to table key
Match Participants:
Match Participants:
League A Group 1
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 13 | 5 | 8 | 14 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 8 | -1 | 7 |
| |
| 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 16 | -7 | 4 |
|
League A Group 2
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 13 |
| |
| 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 8 | 5 | 13 |
| |
| 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 9 | -3 | 4 |
| |
4 Israel | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 13 | -8 | 4 |
|
League A Group 3
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 18 | 4 | 14 | 14 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 13 | 7 | 6 | 9 |
| |
| 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 11 | -7 | 6 |
| |
| 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 17 | -13 | 2 |
|
League A Group 4
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 13 | 4 | 9 | 16 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 8 |
| |
| 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 6 |
| |
| 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 14 | -8 | 2 |
|
League C Group 1
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 19 | 4 | 15 | 16 |
| |
| 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 13 |
| |
3 Estonia | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 9 | -6 | 4 |
|
4 Azerbaijan | 6 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 17 | -14 | 1 |
|
League C Group 2
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 3 | 15 | 18 |
| |
2 Kosovo | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 12 |
|
3 Cyprus | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 15 | -11 | 6 |
|
4 Lithuania | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 4 | 11 | -7 | 0 |
|
- Bulgaria, Position 2, Points 9
League C Group 3
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 3 | 8 | 11 |
| |
2 Bulgaria | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 9 |
|
3 Belarus | 6 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 7 |
|
4 Luxembourg | 6 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 7 | -4 | 3 |
|
League C Group 4
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 1 | 9 | 16 |
| |
2 Armenia | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 9 | -1 | 7 |
|
3 Faroe Islands | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 6 |
|
4 Latvia | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 11 | -7 | 4 |
|
League D Group 1
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 San Marino | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 7 |
|
2 Gibraltar | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 6 |
|
3 Liechtenstein | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 2 |
|
League D Group 2
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 Moldova | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 9 |
|
2 Malta | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 7 |
|
3 Andorra | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 4 | -4 | 1 |
|
League B Group 1
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 8 | 1 | 11 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 7 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | -2 | 7 |
|
- Republic of Ireland, Position 3, Points 6
League B Group 2
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 3 | 13 | 15 |
| |
| 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 4 | 7 | 15 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 12 | -9 | 6 |
| |
| 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 13 | -11 | 0 |
|
League B Group 3
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 15 | 7 | 8 | 13 |
| |
| 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 14 | 5 | 9 | 11 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 9 | -2 | 8 |
| |
4 Kazakhstan | 6 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 15 | -15 | 1 |
|
League B Group 4
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 9 | 4 | 5 | 12 |
| |
| 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 11 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 10 | 13 | -3 | 7 |
| |
4 Montenegro | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 9 | -5 | 3 |
|
Key
- Position 1 - 2 : Quarter-finals
- Position 3 : Relegation Play-off
- Position 4 : Relegation
Team Lineups
home team, Bulgaria
Manager: Ilian Iliev
Formation: 4 - 4 - 2
Pitch Formation
1, Mitov, Goalkeeper
14, Nedyalkov, Defender
3, Atanasov, Defender
5, Petkov, Defender
19, Nürnberger, Defender
16, Petkov, Midfielder
8, Kraev, Midfielder
4, Gruev, Midfielder
11, Despodov, Midfielder
20, Krastev, Striker
21, Petkov, Striker
Starting lineup
- Number 1, D. Mitov , substituted for P. Iliev at 46 minutes
- Number 19, F. Nürnberger , substituted for N. Minkov at 72 minutes
- Number 5, A. Petkov
- Number 3, Z. Atanasov , Yellow Card at 61 minutes
- Number 14, A. Nedyalkov , Yellow Card at 85 minutes
- Number 11, K. Despodov , Captain
- Number 4, I. Gruev
- Number 8, A. Kraev , Yellow Card at 59 minutes, substituted for V. Nikolov at 85 minutes
- Number 16, M. Petkov
- Number 21, L. Petkov , substituted for B. Kraev at 72 minutes
- Number 20, F. Krastev , substituted for I. Iliev at 85 minutes
Substitutes
home team, Bulgaria
- Number 10, B. Kraev
- Number 12, D. Sheytanov
- Number 22, I. Iliev
- Number 23, P. Iliev
- Number 6, V. Antov
- Number 7, R. Kirilov
- Number 18, V. Panayotov
- Number 17, N. Minkov , Yellow Card at 90 minutes plus 5
- Number 9, V. Nikolov
- Number 15, S. Petrov
- Number 13, S. Shopov
away team, Republic of Ireland
Manager: Heimir HallgrÃmsson
Formation: 4 - 4 - 2
Pitch Formation
1, Kelleher, Goalkeeper
2, Doherty, Defender
22, Collins, Defender
4, O'Shea, Defender
11, Brady, Defender
21, Johnston, Midfielder
8, Knight, Midfielder
6, Cullen, Midfielder
3, Manning, Midfielder
7, Azaz, Striker
15, Parrott, Striker
Starting lineup
- Number 1, C. Kelleher
- Number 11, R. Brady
- Number 4, D. O'Shea
- Number 22, N. Collins , Captain
- Number 2, M. Doherty
- Number 3, R. Manning , substituted for J. O'Brien at 79 minutes
- Number 6, J. Cullen
- Number 8, J. Knight , Yellow Card at 61 minutes, substituted for R. Vata at 79 minutes
- Number 21, M. Johnston , Yellow Card at 51 minutes, substituted for M. Sykes at 76 minutes
- Number 15, T. Parrott , substituted for E. Ferguson at 76 minutes
- Number 7, F. Azaz , Yellow Card at 47 minutes, substituted for J. Taylor at 76 minutes
away team, Republic of Ireland
- Number 20, J. Abankwah
- Number 19, S. Armstrong
- Number 16, G. Bazunu
- Number 12, J. Dunne
- Number 9, E. Ferguson
- Number 10, A. Idah
- Number 17, A. Moran
- Number 5, J. O'Brien
- Number 13, M. Sykes
- Number 18, J. Taylor
- Number 23, M. Travers
- Number 14, R. Vata , Yellow Card at 81 minutes
home team, Bulgaria
Manager: Ilian Iliev
Formation: 4 - 4 - 2
Pitch Formation
1, Mitov, Goalkeeper
14, Nedyalkov, Defender
3, Atanasov, Defender
5, Petkov, Defender
19, Nürnberger, Defender
16, Petkov, Midfielder
8, Kraev, Midfielder
4, Gruev, Midfielder
11, Despodov, Midfielder
20, Krastev, Striker
21, Petkov, Striker
Starting lineup
- Number 1, D. Mitov , substituted for P. Iliev at 46 minutes
- Number 19, F. Nürnberger , substituted for N. Minkov at 72 minutes
- Number 5, A. Petkov
- Number 3, Z. Atanasov , Yellow Card at 61 minutes
- Number 14, A. Nedyalkov , Yellow Card at 85 minutes
- Number 11, K. Despodov , Captain
- Number 4, I. Gruev
- Number 8, A. Kraev , Yellow Card at 59 minutes, substituted for V. Nikolov at 85 minutes
- Number 16, M. Petkov
- Number 21, L. Petkov , substituted for B. Kraev at 72 minutes
- Number 20, F. Krastev , substituted for I. Iliev at 85 minutes
Substitutes
- Number 10, B. Kraev
- Number 12, D. Sheytanov
- Number 22, I. Iliev
- Number 23, P. Iliev
- Number 6, V. Antov
- Number 7, R. Kirilov
- Number 18, V. Panayotov
- Number 17, N. Minkov , Yellow Card at 90 minutes plus 5
- Number 9, V. Nikolov
- Number 15, S. Petrov
- Number 13, S. Shopov
away team, Republic of Ireland
Manager: Heimir HallgrÃmsson
Formation: 4 - 4 - 2
Pitch Formation
1, Kelleher, Goalkeeper
2, Doherty, Defender
22, Collins, Defender
4, O'Shea, Defender
11, Brady, Defender
21, Johnston, Midfielder
8, Knight, Midfielder
6, Cullen, Midfielder
3, Manning, Midfielder
7, Azaz, Striker
15, Parrott, Striker
Starting lineup
- Number 1, C. Kelleher
- Number 11, R. Brady
- Number 4, D. O'Shea
- Number 22, N. Collins , Captain
- Number 2, M. Doherty
- Number 3, R. Manning , substituted for J. O'Brien at 79 minutes
- Number 6, J. Cullen
- Number 8, J. Knight , Yellow Card at 61 minutes, substituted for R. Vata at 79 minutes
- Number 21, M. Johnston , Yellow Card at 51 minutes, substituted for M. Sykes at 76 minutes
- Number 15, T. Parrott , substituted for E. Ferguson at 76 minutes
- Number 7, F. Azaz , Yellow Card at 47 minutes, substituted for J. Taylor at 76 minutes
Substitutes
- Number 20, J. Abankwah
- Number 19, S. Armstrong
- Number 16, G. Bazunu
- Number 12, J. Dunne
- Number 9, E. Ferguson
- Number 10, A. Idah
- Number 17, A. Moran
- Number 5, J. O'Brien
- Number 13, M. Sykes
- Number 18, J. Taylor
- Number 23, M. Travers
- Number 14, R. Vata , Yellow Card at 81 minutes
- Referee:
- Benoît Bastien
- Video Assistant Referee:
- Jeremie Pignard
- Assistant Referee 1:
- Hicham Zakrani
- Assistant Referee 2:
- Aurelien Berthomieu
- Fourth Official:
- Eric Wattellier
- Assistant VAR Official:
- Benoît Millot
Match Officials
Match Stats
We're still improving Match stats. Let us know what you think.
Take surveyOverall possession
Shots
Bulgaria 7Republic of Ireland 12Advanced match stats
Shots
Bulgaria 7Republic of Ireland 12Shots on target
Bulgaria 3Republic of Ireland 3Shots off target
Bulgaria 1Republic of Ireland 7Blocked shots
Bulgaria 3Republic of Ireland 2Attempts out of box
Bulgaria 4Republic of Ireland 1Total tackles
Bulgaria 10Republic of Ireland 13Won tackles
Bulgaria 8Republic of Ireland 5Fouls
Bulgaria 21Republic of Ireland 10Total yellow cards
Bulgaria 4Republic of Ireland 4Total clearances
Bulgaria 21Republic of Ireland 20Headed clearances
Bulgaria 9Republic of Ireland 13Duels won
Bulgaria 44Republic of Ireland 60Errors leading to shots
Bulgaria 0Republic of Ireland 1Total passes
Bulgaria 509Republic of Ireland 395Accurate passes
Bulgaria 423Republic of Ireland 312Backward passes
Bulgaria 87Republic of Ireland 48Forward passes
Bulgaria 161Republic of Ireland 130Total long balls
Bulgaria 60Republic of Ireland 52Successful final third passes
Bulgaria 58Republic of Ireland 62Total crosses
Bulgaria 11Republic of Ireland 19Touches
Bulgaria 670Republic of Ireland 553Touches in the box
Bulgaria 8Republic of Ireland 20Dispossessed
Bulgaria 10Republic of Ireland 3Goalkeeper saves
Bulgaria 1Republic of Ireland 2Diving saves
Bulgaria 0Republic of Ireland 1Saved shots from inside the box
Bulgaria 1Republic of Ireland 1Saved shots from outside the box
Bulgaria 0Republic of Ireland 1Keeper throws
Bulgaria 5Republic of Ireland 2Goal kicks
Bulgaria 8Republic of Ireland 2Season so far
UEFA Nations League
Key, Bulgaria v Rep. Ireland
Goals scored
Bulgaria 5Republic of Ireland 7Form guide
All competitions
Bulgaria draw
v Belarus
1
1
UEFA Nations League
Republic of Ireland lose
v England
5
0
UEFA Nations League
Bulgaria won
v Luxembourg
0
1
UEFA Nations League
Republic of Ireland won
v Finland
1
0
UEFA Nations League
Bulgaria lose
v Northern Ireland
5
0
UEFA Nations League
Republic of Ireland lose
v Greece
2
0
UEFA Nations League
Bulgaria draw
v Luxembourg
0
0
UEFA Nations League
Republic of Ireland won
v Finland
1
2
UEFA Nations League
Bulgaria won
v Northern Ireland
1
0
UEFA Nations League
Republic of Ireland lose
v Greece
0
2
UEFA Nations League
Previous meetings
All competitions
Bulgaria and Republic of IrelandBulgaria Won 3Republic of Ireland Won 3Draw 6
Played
12
Previous scores
All competitions
UEFA Nations League
Republic of Ireland 0 , Bulgaria 0 on the 18th of November 2020
Republic of Ireland
Bulgaria
18th of November 2020
Bulgaria 1 , Republic of Ireland 1 on the 3rd of September 2020
Bulgaria
Republic of Ireland
3rd of September 2020
Friendlies
Republic of Ireland 3 , Bulgaria 1 on the 10th of September 2019
Republic of Ireland
Bulgaria
10th of September 2019
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Match Facts
Bulgaria are winless in their last seven games against the Republic of Ireland in all competitions (D5 L2), with both meetings between the nations in the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League ending as draws.
Republic of Ireland are winless in their five away visits to face Bulgaria (D2 L3). Each of the last two have ended as 1-1 draws, with Ireland defenders Richard Dunne scoring in June 2009 and Shane Duffy in September 2020.
Bulgaria have drawn eight of their last 12 matches in all competitions (W3 D1), with three of their last eight games ending goalless.
Republic of Ireland have lost six of their last eight away games (W2), losing their last two, both in the UEFA Nations League (0-2 vs Greece, 0-5 vs England).
Across their last 32 games, Bulgaria have won just six times (D15 L11). Those six wins have come against nations ranked, at that time, in the FIFA World Rankings in 200th (Gibraltar), 64th (North Macedonia), 110th (Cyprus), 119th (Tanzania), 74th (Northern Ireland) and 89th (Luxembourg).
Among the 16 Group B nations in the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League, the Republic of Ireland ranked 14th for shots attempted (51), 13th for completed passes (1,746), 13th for touches in the opposition box (100) and 15th for possession average (39.2%).
Kiril Despodov created nine chances in the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League group stage, the most of any Bulgarian player. Despodov also registered the most xG of any Bulgaria player (1.9).
20-year-old Republic of Ireland striker Evan Ferguson has made 18 appearances for the national side and could overtake Ian Harte into outright second place for games played before the age of 21. Only Robbie Keane (25) has played more times before turning 21.