Hallgrimsson impressed by energy on show in victory over Israel

Heimir Hallgrimsson said he was impressed with the energy of his Republic of Ireland team during their 3-0 victory against Israel in the Nations League.

The Republic of Ireland swept aside Israel at Nagyerdei Stadion, with three goals in the space of 12 minutes from Troy Parrott, Adam Idah and Jack Moylan sealing the win. 

Parrott opened the scoring in the 13th minute when his shot squirmed under 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 Idah tucked home, with Moylan's fine run ending with a shot that found the bottom corner in the 25th minute. 

The Republic of Ireland scored three goals in the first 25 minutes of a match for the first time since October 2014 against Gibraltar (18th min), and only the second time in their history away from home, after August 1996 against Liechtenstein (four in 19th min).

They also enjoyed their joint-biggest win in the Nations League, and outright biggest away from home, alongside a 3-0 victory over Scotland in June 2022.

Hallgrimsson's side had three different goalscorers (excluding own goals) in a single game for the first time since October 2023 against Gibraltar (four), 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," Halgrimsson 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."

The Republic of Ireland finished with an expected goals (xG) total of 1.57 from their nine attempts to Israel's 0.31 from their eight shots at Caoimhin Kelleher's net. 

Israel have now conceded 3+ goals in 11 matches since the start of 2024 in all competitions, the joint-most of any UEFA nation in this time (level with Liechtenstein), with the Republic of Ireland's forwards impressing. 

Up to and including the Republic of Ireland's first goal, each of the nation's last seven goals in competitive internationals (excluding own goals) 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, and he will be hoping to add to that tally in the Republic of Ireland's next game against Austria this Thursday.