Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

Heimir Hallgrimsson after the home win over Bulgaria

Hallgrimsson: Comeback credit but concessions a 'trend'

Heimir Hallgrimsson praised his players' resolve as the Republic of Ireland earned a comeback win over Bulgaria in their UEFA Nations League play-off second leg but acknowledged that conceding early goals had become a "trend".

Soccer • 24 Mar

Parrott started both legs against Bulgaria

Parrott: Results more important than my hunt for goals

Troy Parrott might not have got the goal his overall performance may have deserved but the Republic of Ireland striker put those thoughts behind him as he lauded the display of his fellow forwards in the 2-1 victory over Bulgaria at Aviva Stadium that put a seal on Nations League survival.

Soccer • 23 Mar

Evan Ferguson scored the crucial equaliser

Ferguson and Idah strike to secure play-off success

The Republic of Ireland had to come from behind once again to beat Bulgaria 2-1 in tonight's UEFA Nations League play-off at Aviva Stadium.

Soccer • 24 Mar

Robbie Brady and Finn Azaz celebrate with Evan Ferguson after the equaliser

Player Ratings: Brady best of bunch against Bulgaria

Here's how we rated the Boys in Green after maintaining their place in League B of the Nations League with another 2-1 victory over Bulgaria.

Soccer • 24 Mar

Evan Ferguson came on during the first game in Plovdiv

Ferguson and O'Brien selected for Bulgaria encounter

Evan Ferguson returns to the Ireland starting side for tonight's Nations League play-off second leg against Bulgaria at Aviva Stadium.

Soccer • 23 Mar

Heimir Hallgrimsson believes that the group of Ireland players are becoming a team

Hallgrimsson seeing signs of a collective connection

Heimir Hallgrimsson is optimistic that Ireland's win over Bulgaria in Plovdiv proves pivotal for the national team, who are planning to launch a successful World Cup qualifying campaign later this year.

Soccer • 23 Mar

Matt Doherty celebrates his goal in Plovdiv with Mikey Johnston and Troy Parrott

Hallgrimsson sowing seeds for World Cup qualification

If Thursday night's impressive victory in Plovdiv whetted the appetite, there is a sense that tonight's clash with Bulgaria can kick-start Heimir Hallgrimsson's quest to qualify for the World Cup.

Soccer • 23 Mar

Finn Azaz, right, celebrates with Troy Parrott after they combined for the equaliser against Bulgaria on Thursday

Republic of Ireland v Bulgaria: All you need to know

Coverage details and build-up ahead of the Republic of Ireland's UEFA Nations League promotion/relegation play-off against Bulgaria on Sunday.

Soccer • 22 Mar

Heimir Hallgrimsson changed his immediate post-match opinion after watching the game back

Hallgrimsson clarifies 'emotional' post-match comments

Heimir Hallgrimsson admitted that his post-match comments regarding his players being too passive may have been a touch harsh having had a chance to re-watch the 2-1 victory over Bulgaria.

Soccer • 22 Mar

Heimir Hallgrimsson checks on Robbie Brady following his facial injury during the game in Bulgaria

Hallgrimsson braced for Bulgaria reaction in Dublin

More of the same, is the message that Heimir Hallgrimsson will send to his players going into Sunday's second leg of their UEFA Nations League play-off with Bulgaria.

Soccer • 21 Mar

Heimir Hallgrimsson salutes the travelling fans following the victory in Plovdiv

Character-building performance from Ireland in Plovdiv

Ireland were caught cold in Plovdiv, but eventually warmed up to beat Bulgaria and take an advantage into the second leg in Dublin on Sunday.

Soccer • 21 Mar

Recap: Bulgaria 1-2 Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland secured a one-goal advantage to bring to the Aviva Stadium for Sunday's UEFA Nations Leauge promotion/relegation play-off second leg. Read how the first leg unfolded here.

Soccer • 20 Mar

Troy Parrott, seen arriving at the stadium earlier this evening, has been handed a start

In-form Parrott starts in attacking Ireland formation

Troy Parrott has been handed the opportunity to stake his claim to lead the line for the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign as the young Dubliner has been named to start up front against Bulgaria.

Soccer • 20 Mar

The Roman Theatre of Philippopolis in the heart of Plovdiv

Plovdiv Postcard: Dreaming of a team of Gary Breens

"Welcome to the oldest city in Europe" is a phrase you'll hear wherever you go in the Bulgarian town of Plovdiv, where Ireland will play their Nations League group decider match this evening.

Soccer • 20 Mar

Heimir Hallgrimsson chats with Rocco Vata while training at the Hristo Botev Stadium

Hallgrimsson eyeing form players to boost confidence

Heimir Hallgrimsson appeared cautiously confident as he spoke to the media at the Hristo Botev Stadium on the eve of Ireland's Nations League play-off with Bulgaria.

Soccer • 19 Mar

Ilian Iliev (L) at Bulgaria's training session in Hristo Botev Stadium today

'No worries, we're happy' insists Bulgaria coach Iliev

Bulgaria head coach Ilian Iliev insists there are "no problems" as his side prepare to face the Republic of Ireland against the backdrop of discontent over his position.

Soccer • 19 Mar

Will Troy Parrott and Robbie Brady start against Bulgaria?

Ireland can banish Wembley demons with Plovdiv plunder

Four months is a long time to wait, but Ireland finally get a chance to banish their Wembley nightmare as they take the field at the Hristo Botev Stadium in Plovdiv tonight.

Soccer • 05 Jun

Heimir Hallgrimsson and Nathan Collins spoke to the media ahead of the game

Relegation on mind as Ireland set for Bulgaria battle

Heimir Hallgrimsson is expecting a tough, tactical battle with Bulgaria as the two sides go head-to-head in Plovdiv tomorrow night.

Soccer • 19 Mar

Sinclair Armstrong is back in the Republic of Ireland squad

Bulgaria v Republic of Ireland: All you need to know

The Republic of Ireland will play two matches against Bulgaria in the UEFA Nations League in the bid to stay in League B. Get details on live coverage, team news and the battle to avoid relegation here.

Soccer • 19 Mar

'We wish Petko Ganchev many more years of good health and to enjoy the success of Arda'

Club sorry over minute's silence for alive ex-player

Bulgarian club Arda Kardzhali have apologised for holding a minute's silence for a former player who is still alive.

Soccer • 18 Mar

Evan Ferguson was all smiles during training at Abbotstown on St Patrick's Day

Kelly: Ferguson a 'conundrum' but still warrants start

Evan Ferguson's current club predicament might increasingly make him a "conundrum" from a Republic of Ireland selection point of view but his suitability for the system means he should start the upcoming Bulgaria games, according to former Boys in Green defender Stephen Kelly.

Soccer • 17 Mar

Bulgaria captain Kiril Despodov in action against Northern Ireland and (inset) journalist Teodor Borisov

Divided and declining Bulgaria await Ireland

Football journalist and Tema Sport contributor Teodor Borisov speaks to RTÉ Sport's Raf Diallo about the problems in Bulgarian football and what the Republic of Ireland can expect to face in this week's UEFA Nations League play-off tie.

Soccer • 20 Mar

Ilian Iliev has been Bulgaria manager for 16 months

Bulgaria manager quits ahead of Ireland play-off

Bulgaria's preparations for their upcoming UEFA Nations League play-off against the Republic of Ireland are in disarray after manager Ilian Iliev tendered his resignation by email.

Soccer • 04 Mar

Michael O'Neill's side are now on course for promotion in the Nations League

Updated O'Neill: Unfair if NI cannot host Belarus in Belfast

Michael O'Neill believes it will be unfair if Northern Ireland are unable to play their Nations League match against Belarus at Windsor Park next month after Tuesday's rousing 5-0 win over Bulgaria.

Soccer • 16 Oct 24

Ireland's Sam Curtis scored the equaliser

Ireland's U17 Euro hopes end despite fight-back

The Republic of Ireland have missed out on qualifying for the UEFA European Under-17 Championships in Israel as they failed to progress from the Elite Phase following their 2-2 draw with Bulgaria in Portugal.

Soccer • 29 Mar 22