Negative run over: Ireland went 3-0 away to Scotland without winning a game in this competition for the first time in twelve Nations League games. Obafemi was the match winner with a goal and an assist.
Cheers: Michael Obafemi and his Irish teammates are delighted with their 3-0 goal.
IMAGO/INFO PHOTOGRAPHY
After opening defeats against Scotland that saw their shattered World Cup dream well dealt with in a 2-0 win over Armenia, the Irish were desperate to pick up their first points. Prestige Duel had one thing above all else: passion.
Despite the string of wins, Ireland started with plenty of confidence and tried to focus on attack – but it was only a try from play. Because of this, a normal situation caused the first danger and quickly led 1-0. After Duffy crossed the ball again following a corner kick, Brown headed it over the line (20′).
After a good pass the parrot increases
But it wasn’t enough for the home side: with the fans and the lead behind them, the Boys in Green soon pushed for the next goal. The reward was not long in coming. Obafemi lobbed the entire Scottish back line with a fine lob and found Parrott in the penalty area. To the next height in the attacker rank – 2:0 (28th).
The hosts then clawed back and defended their lead with gusto. It was 2-0 to the cabins as the Scots built around Liverpool’s left-back Robertson, who was whistled at every ball contact.
Obafemi takes the decision with a dream goal
Scotland coach Steve Clarke reacted and brought Gilmour on for Hendrick (46′). Immediately after the restart, the focus was on Obafemi: the Swansea City striker put the ball under the bar from a good 25 meters – and Gordon didn’t look his best as he conceded the goal (51′). The game was decided early in the second half. It also illustrates Clarke’s substitutions, which saw Premier League stars Adams and McGinn out.
Unsurprisingly, the game was flat as the hosts were deep in their own half and did not give the Bravehearts any scoring chances. Despite the Irish really focusing on defending, Hogan missed 4-0 by a few centimeters – Hanley cleared the already beaten Gordon on the line (60th), so it remained 0: 3.
Ireland won the Nations League for the first time
Thanks to the win, the Boys in Green not only picked up their first points in this year’s Nations League, but also celebrated their first win in the competition after twelve consecutive games without a win. On the other hand, Scotland had to leave Ireland in the table as they did not confirm their performance in the Armenia game.
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