A report on the first half of the match between Ireland and North Macedonia, which ended goalless. Ireland looked defensively solid, but lacked attacking quality, with only one shot on target. Several chances were created by Ireland but were either offside or missed. Key moments and incidents are described.
5 mins ago 8:35PM So half-time, and perhaps, unsurprisingly, it hasn’t been the greatest of spectacles.The hosts began to look more dangerous as the half wore on, without seriously pressurising the visitors.
There has been just one shot on target , which emphasises the lack of attacking quality on display thus far.8 mins ago 8:32PM 44 mins: Parrott clips the ball over the goalkeeper and into the net, but he’s penalised for being offside.10 mins ago 8:30PM Ireland's Liam Scales and North Macedonia's Darko Churlinov. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHOVelkovski makes a mess of his attempted clearance.Moments later, the 24-year-old is on the end of a rough tackle from Fetai, but looks like he’ll be alright to continue following treatment.Molumby slips through Parrott. The Dubliner wriggles away from two defenders, but his finish goes well over the bar.Should Ireland have been awarded a penalty? Finn Azaz is fouled, and he fires the resulting free-kick over the bar— RTÉ Sport March 31, 2026 25 mins ago 8:14PM John Egan has an attempt on goal. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO 27 mins ago 8:13PM 26 mins: Azaz goes on a mazy run on the edge of the area and is fouled by at least one North Macedonia player as he dribbles towards goal.28 mins ago 8:11PM 24 mins: Parrott gets his first half-chance.31 mins ago 8:09PM 21 mins: Bardhi’s free kick takes a slight deflection off the Irish wall.33 mins ago 8:07PM 20 mins: Ogbene is penalised for a foul on Herrera on the edge of the area.35 mins ago 8:05PM 18 mins: As it stands, this very much feels like the unwanted friendly it was perceived as.38 mins ago 8:01PM 15 mins: Ogbene’s shot from the edge of the area is deflected over.42 mins ago 7:58PM 10 mins: Ogbene’s low cross is deflected out for a corner. The ensuing set piece is half cleared before it falls to O’Shea, whose clipped delivery into the box is headed off target by Egan from a difficult angle.They’ve mostly played in front of the Irish defence and midfield, though.Replays confirm the AZ Alkmaar star ran slightly too early.Neither team has created anything of note.53 mins ago 7:47PM Ireland's Manager Heimir Hallgrímsson ahead of the match. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO‘We want to finish with a good performance’ – Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson expects a big performance from his side pic.twitter.com/mWX8AFQBW7 — RTÉ Sport March 31, 2026 1 hr ago 7:35PM Ireland's Seamus Coleman ahead of the match. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHOPoll Results: Ireland Draw North Macedonia 1 hr ago 7:18PM Ireland's Troy Parrott takes a photo with fans ahead of the match. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHOThoughts? pic.twitter.com/Iu5UqHN4ASYour Ireland team to face North Macedonia 🇮🇪Kick-off is just 90 minutes away 🏟️🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/E6rJfocvi6With less than an hour until kick-off, it’s a subdued atmosphere at the Aviva. Ireland ideally would have been playing Denmark now for a place at the World Cup, but the semi-final heartache against Czechia means they have ended up in this friendly for playoff losers. It will, at least, be a chance for the Aviva to express their gratitude to experienced players like Seamus Coleman and John Egan who have served their country with distinction for years. This is the first game on home turf since the memorable defeat of Portugal in November. It could also be a potentially memorable night for the likes of Bosun Lawal, Millenic Alli and Josh Keeley, who will be hoping to make their senior international debuts. The North Macedonians, meanwhile, are likely to also be less-than-enthused about the prospect of this match, having been well beaten 4-0 by Denmark on Thursday.
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