DEBRECEN — Republic of Ireland beat Israel 3-0 in Debrecen, Hungary to claim their first win of the Nations League Group B3 campaign, striking three times in the first half to bounce back from defeat in Kosovo three days earlier.
Heimir Hallgrimsson's side started with confidence despite the fraught build-up, which saw no handshakes prior to kick-off and the Republic of Ireland players bow their heads during the Israeli anthem. Troy Parrott opened the scoring on 14 minutes for his 12th international goal, turning home James Abankwah's cutback, before Adam Idah doubled the lead two minutes later when put through by Jack Moylan and slotting past Daniel Peretz into the corner.
Moylan then added the third in the 25th minute, driving into the box and firing home his first competitive international goal to make it 3-0. Caoimhin Kelleher preserved the clean sheet, first thwarting Anan Khalaili before the break and then denying Dor Peretz and Eliel Peretz early in the second period as Israel pushed for a way back. Idah went close to a second but saw his effort turned around the post by Daniel Peretz.
The result gives Ireland their first points in Group B3 after the disappointing loss in Kosovo. The Republic of Ireland now turn their attention to Austria in Dublin on Thursday, while Israel remain in Debrecen to face Kosovo.