Hello, and welcome to our liveblog of tonight’s Nations League encounter.
Ireland go into this game knowing their hopes of topping the group are over, following Ukraine’s win against Armenia earlier.
While it’s unlikely, securing their status as second seeds in the Euro 2024 draw is still a possibility, though they will need to finish second in the group and hope other results go their way to realise that ambition.
A win against Scotland is consequently vital and it would also ensure Stephen Kenny’s side avoid relegation at Armenia’s expense.
The Boys in Green beat the Scots during the summer, but Steve Clarke’s men will go into the game full of confidence following an impressive victory against the Ukrainians during the week.
They will consequently go into this game as slight favourites, though that arguably suits the Irish, who have traditionally been at their best under Kenny with their backs against the wall.
Kick-off this evening is at 7.45pm.
24 Sep 2022
7:05PM
Confirmation of the Ireland team below…
STARTING XI | Scotland v Republic of Ireland
Michael Obafemi & Troy Parrott start up front as Matt Doherty also comes into the side 🇮🇪
Nathan Collins of Ireland. Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
24 Sep 2022
7:39PM
Scotland were outstanding in midweek, taking 23 shots without allowing a shot on target, a game in which manager Steve Clarke switched from a back three to a back four for the first time since 2019. Stephen Kenny says it is “immaterial” as to how Scotland set up, but they may regret to see the end of their opponents’ back three, which Ireland exploited in June: picture Troy Parrott ghosting between the right-sided centre back and right wing-back to head Ireland’s second goal – so different questions will be posed by a back four.
You can read Gavin Cooney’s full match preview here.
So half-time and it’s been an impressive display from Ireland.
Parrott and Obafemi have been lively up front, the midfield have been diligent and defensively, Ireland have looked solid when faced with a few dangerous Scotland attacks.
So far so good, but it remains very tight and Scotland will feel they are very much in this match still.
24 Sep 2022
8:48PM
The second half has begun…
24 Sep 2022
8:51PM
Ireland begin the half with a promising attack but they can’t get a shot on goal and it fizzles out ultimately.
More encouraging signs from the visitors’ perspective though.
It’s a slightly harsh result on the visitors as they didn’t play badly.
Ultimately, two goals that were very much avoidable proved costly.
Kenny’s side will also rue a couple of missed chances, most notably Parrott after Obafemi sent him through on goal.
It means Scotland’s match on Tuesday with Ukraine will effectively be a promotion playoff, while Ireland’s game with Armenia in Dublin will decide which of the two teams get relegated.
24 Sep 2022
9:43PM
Here’s a look at the penalty and the winning goal.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Close
36 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic.
Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy
here
before taking part.
As it happened: Scotland v Ireland, Nations League
Scotland 2-1 Ireland
Hello, and welcome to our liveblog of tonight’s Nations League encounter.
Ireland go into this game knowing their hopes of topping the group are over, following Ukraine’s win against Armenia earlier.
While it’s unlikely, securing their status as second seeds in the Euro 2024 draw is still a possibility, though they will need to finish second in the group and hope other results go their way to realise that ambition.
A win against Scotland is consequently vital and it would also ensure Stephen Kenny’s side avoid relegation at Armenia’s expense.
The Boys in Green beat the Scots during the summer, but Steve Clarke’s men will go into the game full of confidence following an impressive victory against the Ukrainians during the week.
They will consequently go into this game as slight favourites, though that arguably suits the Irish, who have traditionally been at their best under Kenny with their backs against the wall.
Kick-off this evening is at 7.45pm.
Confirmation of the Ireland team below…
Here’s the Scotland team for tonight…
Who do you think will win tonight?
Poll Results:
You can read Gavin Cooney’s full match preview here.
We’re underway…
It’s been a tight opening few minutes.
Scotland have had the better possession and territory without really threatening so far.
Ryan Christie charges forward towards the area. He mishits his shot, however, and it goes well wide.
Ireland haven’t really got a grip on this game yet.
Dykes combines well with McTominay down the right, but Cullen gets back well and the Man United star’s cross is deflected safely into Bazunu’s arms.
It’s been a good start from Scotland.
Troy Parrott has the ball in the back of the net but it’s ruled out for offside.
O’Shea plays a great through pass for the forward, who goes on a mazy run before putting it into the roof of the net.
It’s a great pass and finish but he just didn’t time the run to perfection, as replays prove.
Ireland break swiftly.
Obafemi bursts forward and plays it to Parrott, whose shot is blocked by Hendry.
The Swansea attacker was a bit slow to pass it there and Ireland lost some momentum in the attack.
SCOTLAND 0-1 IRELAND (EGAN 18)
McClean’s corner is half cleared, Molumby heads it back into the danger area.
Collins then gets a touch before Egan rifles it home with a brilliant first-time finish.
Ireland’s captain for the night really rose to the occasion there.
Here’s a look at the opening goal…
Christie tries to slip through Armstrong but the pass is just too heavy.
Scotland are beginning to look a bit more dangerous now.
Moments later, Armstrong’s cross finds McGinn, but his volley is sliced and it goes well wide.
McGinn scuffs another shot from the edge of the area from Dykes’ knockdown.
Scotland are on top now but their finishing has been pretty poor.
McClean crosses for Parrott, whose header is well saved by Gordon.
It wouldn’t have counted anyway, as the Preston loanee was adjudged to have fouled Tierney as he went for the ball.
More Scotland pressure.
Armstrong’s cross is headed out for a corner by O’Shea.
Tierney is down receiving treatment after a coming together inside the area with Parrott.
It looks like he won’t be able to continue.
It looks like a concussion issue.
So Tierney goes off and will be replaced by Celtic’s Greg Taylor.
Egan makes a good challenge to stop Dykes from getting a clear shot on goal.
It was a good ball by Hickey to set up that attack.
McGinn’s ensuing corner goes straight into Bazunu’s hands.
Josh Cullen needs to be careful.
He has just been booked for kicking the ball away and then goes dangerously close to receiving a second yellow with a late challenge.
The referee keeps the card in his pocket this time, however, much to Ireland’s relief.
HALF-TIME: SCOTLAND 0-1 IRELAND
So half-time and it’s been an impressive display from Ireland.
Parrott and Obafemi have been lively up front, the midfield have been diligent and defensively, Ireland have looked solid when faced with a few dangerous Scotland attacks.
So far so good, but it remains very tight and Scotland will feel they are very much in this match still.
The second half has begun…
Ireland begin the half with a promising attack but they can’t get a shot on goal and it fizzles out ultimately.
More encouraging signs from the visitors’ perspective though.
SCOTLAND 1-1 IRELAND (HENDRY 50)
Christie beats Doherty out wide.
His cross finds Jack Hendry whose header goes off the post and in.
Molumby makes a great interception to stop a Scottish attack.
He then slips through an onrushing Doherty.
The Spurs man bursts into the area and sells the defender a dummy, but his subsequent shot is wayward when Parrott was probably in a better position.
Scotland are in the ascendancy now.
O’Shea makes a last-ditch challenge before a great defensive header from Collins.
Moments later, Ireland counter. Obafemi plays it through to Parrott, but the Preston loanee can’t beat Gordon when one-on-one.
Scotland make a double change.
Ralston and Fraser replace Hickey and Armstrong.
Ogbene looked set to come on for Ireland, but he has sat back down for now after that piece of good play by Obafemi.
Now Ireland do make the change.
Ogbene replaces Obafemi, who has played well and looks disappointed to be coming off.
Crazy moment!
Gordon’s clearance goes straight to Ogbene, but it ricochets off the player and back into the grateful goalkeeper’s arms.
Ogbene beats McKenna and is cynically dragged down as he approaches the area.
The Nottingham Forest man is deservedly booked for that foul.
Here’s a look at the equaliser…
Fraser’s shot is well saved by Bazunu.
Moments later, Doherty makes a great defensive clearance off the line.
Ireland are under the cosh now.
Egan gets booked for a late challenge on Christie.
Fraser’s subsequent free kick is too close to Bazunu.
This is a huge last 15 minutes for both sides.
Ireland make a triple change.
Coleman, Robinson and Browne are on.
Parrott, Doherty and Molumby are off.
McClean puts in a dangerous cross that Christie does really well to head away.
This game still feels like it could go either way.
Penalty to Scotland!
Browne is penalised for a handball in the area as a corner is lofted in.
SCOTLAND 2-1 IRELAND (CHRISTIE 82)
Christie puts it straight down the middle as Bazunu dives to his right.
Ireland react to the setback by replacing McClean with Brady.
Changes for Scotland
Christie and Dykes are off.
McLean and Adams are on.
Collins’ cross is headed out for a corner by Ralston.
The corner is cleared, Scotland break but Fraser curls his effort wide.
On RTÉ, Stephen Kelly gives Jayson Molumby the man-of-the-match award.
As I type, Coleman gets on the end of Brady’s cross, but the flick is comfortably saved by Gordon.
Robinson’s cross finds Knight, but it’s a difficult header from far out and easily saved by Gordon.
Down the other end, Brady gets booked for taking out Fraser as the Scottish player sprints past him.
FULL-TIME: SCOTLAND 2-1 IRELAND
So that’s that.
Scotland have come from behind to beat Ireland.
It’s a slightly harsh result on the visitors as they didn’t play badly.
Ultimately, two goals that were very much avoidable proved costly.
Kenny’s side will also rue a couple of missed chances, most notably Parrott after Obafemi sent him through on goal.
It means Scotland’s match on Tuesday with Ukraine will effectively be a promotion playoff, while Ireland’s game with Armenia in Dublin will decide which of the two teams get relegated.
Here’s a look at the penalty and the winning goal.
Right, that’s all from me for now.
Thanks for reading and commenting.
We’ll have more reaction to come shortly.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Liveblog Minute-by-Minute Nations League Stephen Kenny Ireland Republic Scotland