Good afternoon and welcome to the Aviva Stadium for today’s liveblog on Ireland’s fourth qualification game of the campaign. Following Wednesday’s heartbreaking defeat, Stephen Kenny’s team are back on home soil and back playing in front of fans. The atmosphere is building nicely here around Lansdowne Road with just over 50 minutes to kick off. Let us know your thoughts on today’s match in the comments section below.
The big news is that Troy Parrott starts.
The Dubliner is one of three changes Stephen Kenny has made to his starting X1.Parrott, Jayson Molumby, and James McClean come into the side, replacing Jamie McGrath, Jeff Hendrick, and Dara O’Shea.
It looks like Kenny will retain his 3-5-2 formation, with Matt Doherty swapping to right wing-back and a natural left-footer, McClean, at left wing-back. Seamus Coleman looks likely to replace O’Shea in the back three.
STARTING XI | Ireland v Azerbaijan
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) September 4, 2021
Troy Parrott, Jayson Molumby and James McClean all come into the side 🙌
A young, exciting front-line as we return to the @AVIVAStadium 😃
Be loud and proud today 💚#COYBIG | #WeAreOne | #IRLAZE pic.twitter.com/K063CvffeW
Molumby replaces Hendrick in midfield. Parrott, Aaron Connolly and Adam Idah have been selected in an attacking looking side.
Paul Fennessy, a guy who studies these things closely, has come up with an interesting shout, however. He feels Kenny may go with a different formation to the one suggested above and different again to the one he opted for in Faro on Wednesday.
Could be wrong, but looking to me like a 4-2-3-1 for Ireland which Kenny often favoured with the U21s. McClean, Parrott and Connolly just behind Idah. https://t.co/KNE3ofqq7Q
— Paul Fennessy (@paulfennessy21) September 4, 2021
If you are looking for some pre-match reading then check out Gavin Cooney’s match preview here. Gavin makes the point that Ireland lost valiantly in Serbia last March and then squandered its benefits in that feckless, torpid loss to Luxembourg; Stephen Kenny needs his side to avoid the same trap this evening against Azerbaijan.
Elsewhere, there is an opinion piece here that argues that Stephen Kenny’s plan to blood youthful talent is worth persevering with, even if results have been terrible. The author argues:
Tasked with the immediate goal of getting the team to the next tournament, a succession of Ireland managers either didn’t feel they had the leeway to experiment, or else they just weren’t bothered. Declan Rice and Jack Grealish each spent years in the FAI system before being thieved away. A manager with Kenny’s mindset to promote youth would have resolved that issue long before it became one.
As it is, he has his own pressing matters to sort out this weekend. Three straight defeats in this World Cup campaign, one harrowing, two unfortunate, have left Ireland out of the running for a qualification spot and have opened up the motion about whether he deserves a new contract.
Results say he doesn’t. One win in 14 is shockingly poor. You can’t hide from that fact.
Yet amid the poor results there have enough good performances and the implementation of a defined plan to justify the discussion about whether he should be kept on.
Stephen Kenny has been outlining his thoughts on the Idah/Parrott/Connolly combo.
Stephen Kenny on the front three of Aaron Connolly, Troy Parrott and Adam Idah: “They could all play for our U21 team of course, but together they can be a potent three.”
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) September 4, 2021
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round of applause at the Aviva as he we hear the lad with the bell for the first time in nearly two years
— Gavin Cooney (@gcooney93) September 4, 2021
It is something else to see so many fans back in the Aviva again after a couple of years.
Here’s Damien Delaney’s thoughts on the subject and here are some fine images of happy fans from sports agency, Inpho.
"You can't help but feel it. You see the fans, it feeds into the players. Once the game starts, the fans play a key role."
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) September 4, 2021
Damien Delaney on the impact of the returning fans.#IRLAZE | #COYBIG | #WCQ pic.twitter.com/Pm39EWKXBT
Already, Ireland are looking good. Aaron Connolly’s pace is such a useful outlet for this Irish side. Fans in good voice.
John Egan has made a strong early impression, bringing the ball out of defence comfortably. Early prediction, Ireland to win this 3-0.
Three minutes -Shakhudrin Magomedaliyev makes a good take for Azerbaijan. Ireland on top, setting a good tempo.
Five minutes – Josh Cullen floats a nice ball into the area; Matt Doherty times his run in from right wing back but his header goes over the bar.
Six minutes – The pace of Adam Idah down the right hand side there for Ireland was just exhilarating; chance created for Aaron Connolly. Corner won. Point already made but the difference fans make to Ireland is already clear. They are helping to set the tempo here.
Seven minutes – Reckon I have seen more passes in the opening exchanges of this game than I did in the Trap years. Ireland are really playing positively here.
9 minutes – Seamus Coleman pops up from the back three to take the ball in his stride; he cuts in onto his left foot and curls a ball over the top of the crossbar. Ireland’s high press led to Aaron Connolly thieving possession. Cullen helped out. Ireland looking very, very good so far.
12 minutes – Much better stuff there from Azerbaijan. Tidy passing move that saw them sweep the play across from left to right and then straight across the park again. End shot was poor but in terms of technique, that whole passage of play was impressive.
15 minutes – Two wing backs involved there, McClean crossing from the left; too few Irish players made it into the box; Doherty followed up with a poor cross.
17 minutes This game has settled down into a slower tempo after the frantic start to proceedings. Ireland have been measured in their passing but after looking like they would simply overwhelm Azerbaijan in the opening 10 minutes, the bold 3-0 prediction may now seem a bit excitable.
22 minutes – So Azerbaijan have established a bit of a foothold into the game now; playing short, sharp passes in tight areas of the field. They look a reasonable team – although the suspicion remains that if Ireland get a goal ahead and then get the crowd back on their feet, then this could be a long evening for the visitors. Good save there from Gavin Bazunu.
Great start by Ireland, looking dangerous down right. Three shots in opening 10 mins, took 18 mins to have one vs Luxembourg
— Gavin Cooney (@gcooney93) September 4, 2021
Serbia have scored.
22: GOAL!
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) September 4, 2021
In-form Mitrović gets his goal as Serbia take advantage of a dominant opening 22 minutes. #SERLUX | #WCQ pic.twitter.com/ypZTQOm0n9
25 minutes – Shane Duffy clatters into Mahir Emrili, who looks like a superb player; Duffy follows up by producing three great headers.
27 minutes – Better from Ireland, Cullen involved in the build-up; Connolly’s shot was blocked, Jayson Molumby curled a left-footed shot just wide.
30 minutes - Too few Irish players imposing themselves at the minute. That early optimism has faded somewhat. Ireland need a couple of players to take a grip of this game.
32 minutes – Just as we say that, Ireland move up a gear; Egan’s threaded pass to Connolly results in the Galwegian teasing the defence with his footwork before his cross his headed wide by Adam Idah. First goal, whoever gets it, will dictate the mood of the evening.
37 minutes – McClean tackle gifts Connolly the chance to run at the Azerbaijan defence; he moved onto his right foot and offloaded a weak shot. Idah sought to get the rebound but arrived a second too late.
40 minutes - Serbia are now 2-0 up on Luxembourg; Ireland, meanwhile, are searching for inspiration. The excitement generated by those opening 10 minutes are barely relevant now. Azerbaijan in control of the game’s tempo; Cullen and Molumby need to do a lot more in midfield; likewise Parrott and Idah further forward.
44 minutes - That was better from Ireland; neat, quick passing, Coleman setting the move up, Molumby ending it with a wayward, crossfield pass.
That was a stunning goal from Emin Makhmudov. The failure of Coleman and Cullen to stop the shot, however, will haunt them. The Azerbaijan midfielder received possession 25 yards from goal, teased the ball from one foot to the next, then unleashed a superb 25-yard strike. Ireland 0-1 Azerbaijan
HALF-TIME – Ireland 0-1 Azerbaijan
What did you make of that? Early on, as Ireland played at a tempo that was at times exhilarating, you really felt they would overpower their visitors. Then, in a blink of an eye, they pressed the go-slow button.
Too many players were anonymous after that opening 10-minute spell; and by too many we are talking about just about every one of them. The goal was exceptionally well taken and some of Azerbaijan’s play has been really impressive. More impressive certainly than the idiot who predicted a 3-0 win for Ireland earlier in this blog (how do you press delete?).
Tempo is key from now on. If Ireland can regain it, they have a chance of saving some pride and getting a win. Right now, they are in trouble. Azerbaijan have something to hold onto. Ireland, first and foremost, need to hold onto the ball.
Here is the Azerbaijan goal.
Republic of Ireland 0-1 Azerbaijan
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) September 4, 2021
Disaster for Ireland on the half-time whistle as Emin Makhmudov scores a stunner having been given far too much time on the edge of the box.
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Aaron Connolly makes way. Massive half of football in the career of Stephen Kenny right now.
46 minutes Horgan makes an immediate impact and his cross from the right is met by Molumby’s header which is just too high. Better, though, from Ireland.
48 minutes - so already we have seen better things from Ireland. Molumby has come alive; Coleman is stepping into midfield, Horgan is getting on the ball, so too Parrott.
51 minutes – penalty shout for Molumby; not given. McClean getting further forward than he did in the first half; Horgan making an impact, Parrott also getting to grips with this game.
54 minutes – Fields of Athenry being sung now. Tempo high on the field, atmosphere still positive in the stands. Scoreboard looking ugly, though.
56 minutes – McClean cross is heading for a corner when Molumby crashes into the Azerbaijan keeper and earns a yellow card for his trouble.
58 minutes - Ireland setting a decent tempo but there is a thin line between playing with manic intensity and panicking. This game is still there to be won but a goal is needed soon. Callum Robinson warming up.
61 minutes Horgan cross is great; Idah’s header is not. He should have scored, but sends his header just wide.
62 minutes – Conor Hourihane and Robinson to come on; Molumby is going off as is Parrott.
64 minutes – Conor Hourihane curls a shot just over the bar. Ireland dominating the game.
65 minutes This is such a crucial period. Ireland are playing some good stuff but if a goal does not come soon, you can’t help but feel that the anxiety levels will soon rise. Doherty has had a better second-half.
67 minutes Robinson wins a free kick. He, Horgan and Hourihane have all made an impact since their introduction.
Hourihane’s free kick whizzes across the six-yard box. Azerbaijan hanging on for dear life here.
69 minutes – Shane Duffy heads over Robinson’s superb cross. Poor effort from the defender. Ireland are completely dominating this game. They deserve to be ahead, never mind level, but you fear the worst if they don’t get a goal soon.
72 minutes – Another free kick won by Ireland; Doherty fouled this time. Hourihane’s cross is met by John Egan whose header is easily saved.
74 minutes Horgan shoots narrowly wide, via a deflection. Ireland so much on top, a goal is deserved if it comes.
76 minutes – the quality has disappeared and poor decisions have been made in the last few minutes. Horgan is just after hitting a crossfield pass straight out of play; McClean then gives away possession.
77 minutes Tick, tock, tick, tock. Time is not Ireland’s friend. You still feel they will win this if they get a goal in the next few minutes. James Collins to come in.
80 minutes – Ireland break forward; Horgan overhits a simple pass to Coleman. It goes out for a throw-in and that kind of sums up Ireland’s night.
87 minutes – Fully deserved. Ireland have dominated this game, especially this half, and Cullen’s cross leads to Duffy’s header. Ireland really can win this now.
92 minutes Robinson does well to create a chance but could not finish it with any power.
Alan Browne gets a yellow card for a cynical but necessary foul as Azerbaijan break.
Ireland 1-1 Azerbaijan
So a deserved point but a frustrating day for Ireland. They left it late – Shane Duffy with the 86th minute equaliser – but really they should have won. This team have developed a habit of playing well but not making their chances count. Qualification for the World Cup is beyond them now, Serbia are nine points clear.
Some positives came from the game – Adam Idah’s performance being one of them – but you can’t sugarcoat the fact that they are allowing too many games to slip away.
ALL top players get targeted, whether you like it or not it’s part of the game. 99% of those get on with it,hold their nerve and get on with it, like it or lump that’s how it goes. Those saying he shouldn’t be subjected to it are obviously turning a blind eye to Philly and Johnny. Can’t put your hand on an official like that.
I’m a Dub and i must admit i’m sick of Connolly’s temper tantrums and spoiled child antics.He’s acting the maggot for quite a long time at this stage.
While blessed with a natural talent i don’t even believe he deserves the credit he gets at times.The talk of one of the greats is hogwash.The greats dont act the eejit like he does and let his fellow team mates down with such regularity.How many games has he dominated anyway?I dont remember him consistently performing to a high standard in many if any All Ireland semi or final?A fleeting moment of brilluance here or there is his lot.
Diarmuid go away and have a think about your crazy ways.Take your suspension on the chin and relect.You have very little between the ears my friend.As crazy as it sounds,you are a liability and we maybe better off without you.
A great football but proven tug, even take out his on the pitch antics he was lucky not to do time for beating a person up.
12 weeks ban. End off. Now stop talking about it. You would think he nearly killed him the way he is being talked about
@Shaun Gallagher: you are the perfect embodiment of what’s wrong with the GAA when it comes to referees. Swear at a referee and you should be sent off. Touch one and you should expect to have your season ended. People should be jumping up and down about this, not moving on as you call it.
Why does Jim Gavin keep picking him when Connolly let’s him and Dublin down again and again. Connolly may be arguably the best player in the country but it’s going to cost Dublin big time some day when he inevitably gets himself sent off in a big game against Mayo or Kerry. It’s not like Dublin don’t have talented players to play in his place
@Declan Clancy: maybe Connolly pointed his finger in Gavins face and threatened him as well!!!
Spillane is a gob-shiite. Always was – always will be.
@Carl Ingalls: perhaps so. Doesn’t mean he’s not correct here, though. Connolly clearly has a serious attitude problem and maybe the lengthy suspension he’ll probably face here might finally make a difference to him. Either that, or management decide he’s a liability that can’t be risked any more. One way or the other, even the most blinkered Dubs fan has to realise that Connolly can’t continue in the same way.
@Carl Ingalls: and Diarmuid Connolly is thug. Always was – always will be.
@Carl Ingalls: And Connolly is a thug. Always was – always will be.
@Jumperoo:
He’s using his position as public pundit to orchestrate a smear campaign against the Dubs with a view to smoothing the path for his beloved Kirree.
@Carl Ingalls: not at all this is aimed at Connolly not the Dubs.. and he is right you cannot touch the refs simple
@Carl Ingalls: maybe Spillane is a gob-shite but Connelly still deserves a 12 week ban same as the Tipp goalkeeper got for minimal contact.
Connolly is a problem. Management can solve it…week, poor & indecisive management team.
@Quad Quad: Weak and poor management team?? Haha I think the over flowing trophy cabinet says otherwise.
@Ciara Baines: good management isn’t all about silverware. Put any of the so called good managers in charge of the likes of Leitrim or Longford and see how good they turn out to be. Easy to be good managers when some club teams in Dublin have more senior players than whole counties.
That aside what has Dub management done to deal with persistent indiscipline from Connolly.
Tipp hurling manager had a discipline issue with top player and cut him from panel immediately.
Touch an official and it should be a minimum 6 months not three. That should be a season ender for him, he’ll likely be free for the all Ireland final which is a joke.
The GAA are a laughing stock the way they treat their referees. Players have no respect for them and never will till the suspensions get serious.
Pat Spillane and Colm o Rourke were far too enthusiastic last night in trying to make sure Connolly gets a lenthly ban I wonder why? was their selfish reasons involved? Surely not:-):-) But these two pillars of nobility would do well to remember if you prod a bear too often the bear might put better players on the field than Diarmuid Connolly and end up giving you a right hammering.
Saturday evening it looks like Johnny Cooper got Brendan Murphy the Carlow midfielder sent off by mouthing.
Connolly should change codes, players get generally better protection by match officials in Hurling harder to target and wind up quality players
@Ciarán: wow. You clearly know very little about hurling.
@Jumperoo: Played it for 18 years and counting please tell me more about my experience with the game
@Ciarán: played both codes myself, into my 40s. Played inter county in one of them. In my experience, no difference in the amount of ‘protection’ in one over the other. Maybe your experience is different.
Four months of this shite now.
@Colm Buckley: clown