Captain Nathan Collins headed the Republic of Ireland to a 1-0 friendly victory over Qatar as both sides were reduced to 10 men at the Aviva Stadium.
Collins ensured Ireland got the better of a side managed by his former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui with an early header from a Jack Moylan free-kick, glancing the ball past goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada with just five minutes gone.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side had been in complete control until Moylan’s premature exit on the stroke of half-time, when Northern Irish referee Jamie Robinson deemed his challenge on Jassem Gaber worthy of a red card — a decision that visibly stunned the Lincoln forward. Qatar substitute Almoez Ali was also dismissed 12 minutes from time, leaving both sides to see out the match with 10 men.
The game was played against a backdrop of ongoing unease over the upcoming Nations League fixtures with Israel. Play was interrupted on several occasions during the first half as protesters among the crowd of 28,981 repeatedly threw tennis balls onto the pitch.
Troy Parrott went close with a first-time shot wide after being picked out by Seamus Coleman, while Chiedozie Ogbene was denied a second goal by a brave intervention from defender Ahmed Fathi. Caoimhin Kelleher produced a fine reaction save in the 71st minute to preserve the clean sheet.
Ireland will next travel to Montreal for a friendly against World Cup co-hosts Canada on June 6. Qatar, who face Switzerland in their Group B opener in San Francisco on June 13, continue their preparations against El Salvador in Los Angeles on the same day.
Ireland’s own World Cup hopes ended in March when they lost their play-off semi-final to the Czech Republic on penalties.
Source: Collins header gives Ireland 1-0 win over Qatar in 10-vs-10 friendly