Hallgrimsson hails Ireland's relentless energy after 3-0 Nations League demolition of Israel
Three goals in 12 minutes seal Ireland's first Nations League win over Israel
The Republic of Ireland produced a statement performance in the Nations League on Sunday, dismantling Israel 3-0 at Nagyerdei Stadion to claim their first competitive victory over their opponents. Three goals in the space of just 12 first-half minutes left the tie beyond doubt, and left manager Heimir Hallgrimsson enthused by what he witnessed from his side.
Parrott, Idah and Moylan do the damage
Troy Parrott opened the scoring in the 13th minute, his shot squirming under goalkeeper Daniel Peretz after James Abankwah cut the ball back for the in-form striker to finish into the net. It got even better for Hallgrimsson's side three minutes later, when Adam Idah tucked home, with Jack Moylan's fine run ending in a shot that found the bottom corner in the 25th minute.
The early barrage saw the Republic of Ireland score three goals in the first 25 minutes of a match for the first time since October 2014 against Gibraltar, and only the second time in their history away from home after August 1996 against Liechtenstein. It also represented their joint-biggest win in the Nations League and their outright biggest away from home, level with the 3-0 triumph over Scotland in June 2022.
'I did not expect so much energy for 90 minutes'
Hallgrimsson's side fielded three different goalscorers in a single game for the first time since October 2023, and the Republic of Ireland boss was thrilled with his team's display.
"I must say, I did not expect so much energy for 90 minutes," Hallgrimsson said. "There were a lot of empty tanks at the end of the game. Given all the circumstances, with the emotions, the bad preparation and all of those things, to have this energy and power for such a long time really impressed me. The character was there. In tough times, you find your leaders, they will emerge. These guys showed how much they loved their country. The performance showed that."
Ireland finished with an expected goals (xG) total of 1.57 from their nine attempts, to Israel's 0.31 from eight shots at Caoimhin Kelleher's net. Israel have now conceded three or more goals in 11 matches since the start of 2024 in all competitions, the joint-most of any UEFA nation in that time alongside Liechtenstein.
Personal milestones for Parrott and Moylan
Up to and including Ireland's opening goal, each of the nation's last seven goals in competitive internationals had been scored by Parrott — the longest run by any player for the side. Moylan, meanwhile, became the first player to score and assist a goal in the same match for the Republic of Ireland since Robbie Brady against Finland, also in the Nations League, in October 2024. He now has six goal involvements (four goals, two assists) in four senior international appearances for his country.
Moylan and his team-mates will hope to add to that tally in the Republic of Ireland's next outing, against Austria this Thursday.