Republic of Ireland vs Gibraltar. European Championship Qualifying Group B.
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Report as Republic of Ireland claim first Group B win in bid to qualify for Euro 2024; Michael Johnston, Evan Ferguson and Adam Idah scored in second half to move hosts three points behind second-placed Greece; win eases pressure on Stephen Kenny after back-to-back defeats
Tuesday 20 June 2023 09:35, UK
Republic of Ireland belatedly worked their way to a 3-0 win over Gibraltar thanks to an improved second-half performance that helps to relieve the pressure on manager Stephen Kenny.
Friday’s defeat in Greece left Ireland without a point in Group B and facing an uphill task to reach Euro 2024 after just two matches.
But Gibraltar were the perfect opponents for Kenny’s side having lost all of their previous qualifiers since becoming a competitive international side, and they were unable to halt that record despite Ireland’s sluggish first-half performance.
The hosts were much improved after the break and finally took the lead through substitute Michael Johnston, before Evan Ferguson and Adam Idah powered home headers to finally get Ireland off the mark in their bid to qualify for next summer’s finals in Germany.
Ireland’s loss in Athens last week followed defeat to France in March and left them six points behind Greece and nine behind Les Blues ahead of Monday’s game at the Aviva Stadium.
Those two teams still occupy the two qualifying spots in Group B but, with France beating Greece 1-0 and Ireland finally claiming their first win, Kenny’s side are now just three points off second place.
The mood was not so positive at half-time, however, with Gibraltar - ranked 201st in the world - holding Ireland to a goalless opening 45 minutes.
Jamie McGrath should have opened the scoring within the first 60 seconds but struck his low shot straight at visiting goalkeeper Dayle Coleing, who also denied Ferguson and McGrath again during a busy first half.
Ferguson also missed a glorious chance when he failed to properly connect with a header after Coleing raced from his goal, while Michael Obafemi miskicked in front of goal and James McClean - making his 100th Ireland appearance - saw several enticing corners go to waste.
Kenny tweaked his tactics at half-time, sacrificing one of the three centre-backs he had selected against a defensive Gibraltar and bringing on Johnston, who quickly scored his first Ireland goal when he turned in Will Smallbone’s deflected free-kick from close range.
Ferguson then headed in his first competitive international goal to ease the tension in Dublin, before Johnston and Josh Cullen were denied by sharp saves from Coleing, who plays his club football for Gibraltan top-flight side Lincoln Red Imps.
McClean was then denied a fairytale strike by a brilliant block from Dundalk defender Louie Annesley before Gibraltar went close to a shock goal, with Gavin Bazunu denying Niels Hartman from a corner.
But it was the home side that had the final say, with Idah coming off the bench to join Johnston in notching his first international goal in stoppage time and sending Ireland into the summer with slightly greater hopes of reaching another major tournament.
Kenny praised his side for staying calm after taking nearly an hour to score the opening goal, telling RTE: "It was just important to keep our composure and then just believe in ourselves.
"We created a lot of moments. We had a lot of shots in the game - 32 - but it was all about getting the first goal.
"We had a great chance in the first minute that we didn't take. Once you get the first goal it eases the tension and people can relax."
Kenny said it was important for Ireland to "respond in the right way" after disappointment against Greece, adding: "Of course we were expected to beat Gibraltar, the lowest seeds in the group.
"The expectation is there but it was the same scoreline as France and Holland, who both beat Gibraltar 3-0.
"We could've and probably should've won by a lot more but we didn't take some of the chances."
Kenny must have been extremely grateful to see Gibraltar next up on Ireland’s fixture list, given his side’s back-to-back defeats at the start of qualifying.
A visit from Gibraltar is as close to a gimme as is possible in international football given they have lost every qualifier they have ever played, which made Kenny’s decision to line up with three centre-backs a little curious.
Ireland toiled in the first half but the manager deserves credit for recognising his error at half-time and introducing the exciting Johnston for the second half.
The winger, who spent the season on loan at Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes from Celtic and switched his international allegiance from Scotland earlier this year, brought some much-needed spark to Ireland’s previously lethargic performance.
Similarly impressive was Ferguson, who led the line effectively and ensured he signed off from his breakthrough season with another deserved goal.
Ireland may be outsiders to make it out of Group B and Kenny will have to do more than lead his side to victory over Gibraltar to convince the doubters he is the right person to lead his country, but Ferguson and Johnston should give supporters hope for the future.
Republic of Ireland continue their Euro 2024 Qualifying mission away to France on Thursday September 7, kick-off 7.45pm.
They host the Netherlands three days later, with kick-off also at 7.45pm.
