Ferguson and Idah Shine as Ireland Secures Come-from-Behind Win Over Bulgaria

The Republic of Ireland has successfully maintained its position in the UEFA Nations League (UNL) second tier for a fifth consecutive cycle, securing their League B status with a 4-2 aggregate victory over Bulgaria.

With a 1-0 lead from the first leg, the Republic of Ireland set out on home soil with a clear mission. However, instead of taking it easy, they aimed to add to their advantage right from the start, pushing hard within the first five minutes.

Their early efforts nearly bore fruit when Jake O’Brien’s header from a corner by Robbie Brady was expertly cleared off the line by Plamen Iliev.

Next, Ireland executed a fast-paced attack that new manager Heimir Hallgrímsson has been brought in to implement, with Brady again playing a pivotal role, pulling back the ball for Troy Parrott, whose shot struck the post.

Despite their early enthusiasm, it was Bulgaria that took the initiative first.

The goal came in a rather scrappy manner, as Georgi Milanov’s volley from the edge of the box took a deflection, landing perfectly for Valentin Antov, who slotted it into the net, quieting the home crowd.

Ireland looked keen to respond immediately, and the first half concluded with a sense of déjà vu as O’Brien’s header from a Brady corner was blocked, this time by Antov, who was on the line to deny the Irish once again.

With the match finely balanced at half-time, Ireland recognised the need for something special to reclaim their lead, nearly achieving this within 10 minutes of the second half restart when Evan Ferguson broke free, only to see his shot tipped around the post by Iliev.

This brief moment of hope for Bulgaria was short-lived, as Ferguson struck moments later, combining brilliantly with Finn Azaz before slotting a powerful shot into the net’s upper corner.

In a tactical shake-up, Hallgrímsson opted to introduce centre-back Jimmy Dunne for his international debut 15 minutes from time, shifting to a back five to strengthen the defence.

However, Ireland didn’t face much late pressure, sealing the match in the final minutes when Adam Idah netted from a Mark Sykes cross, confirming Ireland’s spot in League B for the next UNL iteration.

In contrast, Bulgaria will find themselves facing a third consecutive cycle in League C.