Ireland secured a crucial 2-1 victory against Bulgaria in a Nations League promotion/relegation play-off held in Plovdiv on March 21, 2025. The win, which comes as part of Ireland’s effort to retain their League B status, showcased the pivotal role played by 23-year-old Troy Parrott, who has been in form since joining AZ Alkmaar.
Irish head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson made the notable decision to start Parrott as the main striker, leaving fellow forwards Evan Ferguson and Adam Idah on the bench. This was a role Parrott had not consistently occupied throughout his international career, but he found success on this occasion, contributing significantly to Ireland’s win.
Parrott was instrumental in the game, first by assisting Finn Azaz, who scored Ireland’s equalizer. His energy and movement were particularly noticeable during the first half, where he caused the Bulgarian defense considerable trouble. However, as the game progressed, his influence waned, and he was substituted with 20 minutes left on the clock, making way for Ferguson.
While Parrott’s contribution drew praise, Brian Kerr, a former Ireland manager and now a pundit for Virgin Media Sport, had reservations about his physicality. He stated, “He’s a bit lightweight for the centre forward position for me. He has bundles of skill, great control and awareness, but when the team is forced to play the ball a bit long, he’s needed to win a header or a flick on.” Kerr further noted that although Parrott managed to assist Azaz’s goal with a flick-on, his overall performance was ‘mixed’ throughout the match.
For Ireland, the victory represented a positive start in a challenging fixture. Hallgrimsson expressed his satisfaction with how the match unfolded but acknowledged areas that needed improvement. “Being passive in the second half was not the plan,” he remarked, hinting at the need for a more assertive approach in the return leg, scheduled for March 23, 2025, at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
During the post-match analysis, Hallgrimsson highlighted the important tactical decisions that played a role in the team’s strategy contra Bulgaria’s history. “They hadn’t lost at home since this coach took over, 13 games ago, so they have really good results, and it’s difficult to break them down,” he said, emphasizing his decision to field Parrott based on his current form in the Europa League.
The match itself was closely contested. Immediately in the sixth minute, Bulgaria took the lead through Marin Petkov, striking early and briefly unsettling the Irish side. It was a wake-up call that Ireland responded to well with Azaz’s goal, which came from Parrott’s clever play. Parrott’s volleyed pass set up Azaz perfectly for the tap-in that equalized the score.
Matt Doherty scored the winner, connecting with a perfectly weighted cross by Josh Cullen. This goal not only secured the victory but also underscored the importance of teamwork in achieving the win. Hallgrimsson’s plan clearly paid off, and the players executed it effectively in the end, although the second half saw them lack the urgency they had in the first half.
Looking ahead to the return leg against Bulgaria, Hallgrimsson stated it would be a different scenario since the Bulgarian team would have to come to Dublin looking to score and win, which could change the dynamics. “Now they need to do something different,” he asserted, hinting at the expectations for a more intense encounter.
As Ireland gears up for the decisive match, the emphasis will be on maintaining the momentum created by this win while addressing the inconsistencies that emerged in their performance during the second half. With speculation about potential changes to the lineup, Hallgrimsson suggested that considerations regarding fitness and sharpness would play crucial roles in deciding who takes the field.
The analysis of the match performances, especially focusing on Parrott’s contributions, will be crucial not just for Hallgrimsson but also for the young player’s development. Parrott, who found the back of the net 16 times for AZ Alkmaar since his summer transfer from Tottenham, is being trusted in critical moments, which could be a turning point for both his career and national ambitions.
With every passing match, it becomes clearer how the fortunes of the Irish national team are heavily shaped by the development of its young players. For Parrott, this match represents not only a chance to showcase his abilities but to solidify his status as a key player. As they approach the second encounter, the Irish side will rely on the growing instincts and sharpness of their under-23 stars to battle against a determined Bulgarian squad aiming to turn the tide.