Finn Azaz and Matt Doherty scored the titles of the first half while the Republic of Ireland again encountered defeat Bulgaria 2-1 in the first match of their nations’ nations play-offs.
Marin Petkov shot the hosts in an early lead at a Hristo Botev stadium populated in Plovdiv but the Azaz midfielder was quickly flattened with his first international goal.
The right-wing defender Doherty, who before the match played talking about an attack with manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, completed his return by nodding home in the 42nd minute.
The deserved victory was one -third of the seven matches under Icelandic coach Hallgrimsson as his team took a small step towards maintaining their status of League B before Sunday’s return match in Dublin.
Ireland has been in action again for the first time since it was blocked 5-0 from England in November.
Troy Parrott was preferred for Evan Ferguson to attack as part of the seven changes from Wembley, while Caoimhín Kelleher kept his place in the goal in front of Gavin Bazunu.
The Hallgreson men began climbing, but, in a game that began at 9.45pm with local time, were caught asleep while Bulgaria grabbed a sixth minute lead.
Filip Krasstev produced a neat departure from Dara O’SHEA on the edge of the box and then gladly wrapped the ball back for the Levski Petkov player to light a correct finish, with the left foot in the net through the basis of the right post.
Ireland, who – like their hosts – recorded only three goals in six games during the group phase, were temporarily amazed at the opening before it was flattened 15 minutes later.
The left and left cross of Robbie Brady withdrew back to the goal from Parrott, leaving the man noted Middlesbrough Azaz with a simple head finish from inside the six yard box.
Captain Nathan Collins was closely incapable of returning when Parrott withdrew a good opening beyond the goal and Kelleher escaped from Anton Nedyalkov before about 1,000 traveling fans were celebrating again three minutes shy by half.
The diagonal surrender seduces Cullen in the area tempted Bulgaria’s goalkeeper, Dimitar Mitov outside his line, but he was beaten in the ball by Doherty, who boldly looked at the uncontrolled net.
Aberdeen’s goalkeeper Mitov was left in pain after his misunderstanding and then replaced for the second half by Plamen Iliev.
Bulgaria finished runners in northern Ireland in the C3 group in the back of a 5-0 blow to Belfast and endured a chaotic construction in this match between speculation about the potential resignation of manager Ilian Iliev.
The hosts began their second period positively, but were unable to threaten Kelleher’s goal before the competition became a boring issue, punished by yellow cards and damage, including a bloody nose for Brady.
Jason Knight avoided a second booking after inadvertently capturing Leeds Ilia Gruev midfielder and was later replaced by debutor Rocco Vata while Hallgrimsson made five replacements in a quick success.
Ireland created a little in a largely forgotten second period. But visitors also rarely seemed to be accepted, as they easily held to get a subtle advantage again in the Dublin.
Hallgrimsson’s thanks for Doherty
Irish Republic Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson:
“It was a good collective show today. I would say that Matt Doherty had a really good game, also scored, and it was a fantastic run and a bold head.
“He had a great deal even in the first goal, thinking quickly, a quick diagonal ball for Robbie Brady for distribution and cross. Sometimes the scorers and those who contributed get the greatest praise.
“It was his 49th lid, hopefully he will get his 50th -at least he can get his 50th -at home in Ireland.
“He was fantastic and we demand that our older players share their experiences, it’s a new team. Important is important to have a mix and a good mix of experienced and young players.
“But it was a collective (performance). There were many good performances.”
