Ireland Draw Israel in Nations League After Pre-Match Protest

Republic of Ireland were held to a 1-1 Nations League draw by Israel at the closed-door TSC Arena in Backa Topola, with Troy Parrott’s first-half penalty cancelled out shortly after the restart.

Key takeaways

• Ireland’s players lowered their heads during the Israeli anthem and did not take part in the usual pre-match handshake line.
• Parrott put Ireland ahead from the spot in the 39th minute after a VAR review led to a penalty award.
• Peretz equalised two minutes into the second half after Oscar Gloukh’s effort was deflected into his path.
• Israel struck the frame of the goal twice late on, while Assaf Tzur denied Chiedozie Ogbene with an outstanding save.
• Ireland are level with Kosovo on five points in Group B3, three behind leaders Austria.

Parrott penalty gives Ireland a half-time lead

The fixture came only days after Ireland’s 3-0 win over the same opposition and was moved to Backa Topola. No supporters were admitted amid political sensitivities and considerable calls for the matches to be boycotted.

Ireland repeated the gesture made in the previous meeting during Israel’s anthem, while Caoimhin Kelleher and Peretz did not exchange handshakes before the match began.

Neither team settled quickly in the empty stadium, although Israel registered the first significant opportunity when Liel Abada brought a good stop from Kelleher. Ireland gradually gained a greater hold on possession and Adam Idah tested Israel goalkeeper Tzur with a dipping shot.

The breakthrough arrived in the 39th minute. A video review resulted in a penalty for Ireland, and Parrott converted emphatically to send his side into the interval one goal ahead.

Israel recover as late chances go unfinished

Israel responded swiftly after the break. Gloukh’s shot took a deflection and dropped invitingly for Peretz, who finished from close range in the 47th minute to restore parity.

The contest opened up in the closing stages as both sides sought a decisive goal. Gloukh hit the woodwork and Omri Gandleman also struck the frame for Israel, while Tzur preserved the draw at the other end by turning Ogbene’s powerful effort over the bar.

The result leaves Austria first in Group B3 on eight points. Kosovo and Ireland each have five, with Israel bottom on two. Ireland and Israel each have two matches left in the next international window, against Austria and Kosovo, to settle the final group positions.