After losing our opening game in the Nations League 1-0 to Kosovo in Pristina last Thursday the Republic of Ireland bounced back on Sunday to beat Israel 3-0 in what was a “home” game for Israel, but was played in the Hungarian city of Debrecen. We were very poor against Kosovo and lucky to escape with a one-goal defeat. For a while on Saturday it looked like the Israel game might not go ahead as a players’ meeting in their hotel in Debrecen dragged on. Later during a heated press conference Israel journalists asked Irish manager Heimir Hallgrimsson if he was sorry for using the word “genocide” when referring to Israel the previous week and they raised with the Irish manager the historical fact that Ireland had played Nazi Germany in 1936. That was before the Icelandic-born manager was born - we beat Germany 5-2 in a friendly at Dalymount Park in October 1936.
Later in the afternoon second-choice goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu issued a statement saying in part: ‘‘I feel it would be wrong to participate in the upcoming fixtures against Israel. My decision is based purely upon my belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong. It is important to note that my stance is not in opposition to the Israeli people or the Jewish community but against the atrocities in the region.’’ Heimir didn’t have time to call up another goalkeeper and Irish sub Jimmy Dunne was named as Ireland’s third ‘keeper on Sunday.
The Irish players wore black armbands, bowed their head when the Israel National Anthem was being played and didn’t shake hands with their opponents before or after the game. Irish captain Dara O’Shea kept his hands behind his back when he met with the referee and opposing captain Manor Solomon in the centre circle for the toss of the coin.
Heimir made five changes from the Kosovo game. He dropped John Egan, Liam Scales, Jason Knight, Finn Azaz and Chiedozie Ogbene. In came Jack Moylan, who had been impressive when introduced as a sub on Thursday, Liam Kitching made his debut in the heart of the defence and there were also starts for Adam Idah, Ryan Manning and Conor Coventry. Ireland started the game much brighter than they did on Thursday and early goals from Troy Parrott, Adam Idah and Jack Moylan saw us lead 3-0 at half-time. Somehow at least 12 Irish supporters got into the stadium, but they were not wearing any colours, while Israel had approximately 220 supporters in the stadium. Israel did improve in the second half and Caoimhin Kelleher had to made three good saves to keep a clean sheet. Next up, it’s Austria at the Aviva tomorrow and then our “home” game against Israel will be played in the Serbian town of Backa Topola on Sunday next.
