Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson was delighted with Ireland's first 45 minutes against Bulgaria, but bemoaned his side's passive approach after the break in Plovdiv.
The Boys in Green are well set to retain their League B status after a 2-1 win in the first leg of their UEFA Nations League promotion/relegation play-off ahead of Sunday's second instalment in Dublin.
First-half goals from Finn Azaz and Matt Doherty were the perfect response to an early suckerpunch from the hosts, but it seemed the break came at the wrong time for Ireland, who were never as rampant after half-time.
"I thought first half was really good from us, even though we're unlucky they scored from first attack. Good response and good character," the Icelandic coach told RTÉ Sport after the match.
"Less of that in the second. Obviously they needed a goal but it was a pretty good defensive performance."
However, Hallgrimsson had not sent out the team to hold the lead in the second half, instead suggesting they naturally played more conservatively to preserve the lead.
"Game management, we got too passive in the second half. Especially defensively. We pressed them well in the first half. When you're protecting a lead this happens automatically but it shouldn't. We should be more brave and step higher."
The coach praised Doherty for his performance and joked - following his omission from an earlier squad - that the Wolves full-back should reach a milestone on Sunday.
"He had a good game, solid game defensively. But also, he is a really good, clever passer, finds runs, and took the one himself. Scored a really brave and a good goal. I think it was his 49th cap in his career, he might get his 50th in Aviva."
Hallgrimsson was looking to Sunday as he made a host of changes in the second half, protecting his players from a treacherous surface, physical opponents and a card-happy official.
"The referee was giving a lot of yellow cards. I think Knighty is suspended for the second leg. We didn't want to risk players; it was slippery surface. We wouldn't want to lose many players. We know that the two-legged part... we don't want to have players overtired if we can rest them.
"We have a good squad."
Hallgrímsson is relishing the second leg at home in Dublin after a confidence boosting away win but thinks his side were too passive in the second-half.
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) March 20, 2025
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