Republic of Ireland tops Bulgaria thanks to Matt Doherty's match-winning header
- Ireland faced Bulgaria in Plovdiv for the Nations League play-off, needing a win to maintain League B status.
- Despite an early goal from Bulgaria, Ireland equalized quickly and secured victory with Matt Doherty's winning header.
- The success bolsters Ireland's hopes in the Nations League, with the return match set in Dublin.
In an important match for the Republic of Ireland, the team faced Bulgaria in the first leg of the Nations League play-off on March 20, 2025, in Plovdiv. Ireland needed a win to maintain their League B status, as they had struggled with poor away performances in recent times, losing six of their last eight away matches. The match began with Bulgaria taking an unexpected lead in the sixth minute when Marin Petkov scored, putting Ireland on the back foot early on. However, the Irish squad responded quickly with Finn Azaz equalizing shortly thereafter. As the game progressed, Ireland showcased solid teamwork and determination. Matt Doherty, who had recently returned to the starting XI, played a crucial role in turning the match around. In the 42nd minute, he scored a brilliant header from a diagonal cross by Josh Cullen, marking a significant moment in his international career as this was his 49th cap. Doherty’s performance was commended by manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, who praised him for not only his goal but his overall contribution to the match. The victory was a pivotal moment for Ireland, providing a much-needed boost to their campaign in the Nations League. Despite the loss, Bulgaria had shown resilience and skill in their efforts, evidenced by their recent performances, where they had lost only one out of their last six matches prior to this game. The game concluded with a 2-1 win for Ireland, setting the stage for the return match later in Dublin. Looking ahead, Ireland now carries the momentum into the second leg of the playoff, confident that they can secure their place in League B for the upcoming competition. The match in Dublin will be critical, and with the home support behind them, expectations are high for another strong performance. Following this dramatic clash, efforts to integrate more young talent with seasoned players like Doherty in the squad will be pivotal in future matches as Ireland seeks to improve their standing in international football.