Ireland’s draw with Israel had ‘no spark in the game’, says Hallgrimsson

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Heimir Hallgrimsson likened the Republic of Ireland’s 1-1 Nations League draw with Israel to a pre-season friendly, saying the game lacked a spark.

Ireland rounded off their international break in a behind-closed-doors meeting with Israel in Serbia, with both goals coming on either side of half-time.

Troy Parrott netted his fourth goal of the Nations League – and his 10th in his last seven appearances for Ireland in competitive games – with a 39th-minute penalty after Dor Peretz caught Jimmy Dunne in the box.

But he made amends for that error 72 seconds after the break by netting the equaliser, with neither team able to find another goal, despite Israel hitting the woodwork twice.

There was also a half-time confrontation between the two sets of players and staff, with reports emerging that a member of Ireland’s backroom staff alleged he was spat at by an Israel player, though Hallgrimsson refused to comment on the incident.

But he did admit the contest on the pitch never really shifted into another gear.

“It was like a pre-season club friendly,” he said. “There was no spark in the game.

“It was difficult to motivate, especially for players who are now playing their fourth game.

“Six international flights for us, four countries, plus all the things that have been going on. We should have done better and killed the game off.”

FT | We take a point. https://t.co/xdGlDaABy9

— Ireland Football (@IrelandFootball) October 4, 2026

Ireland had more chances to get a winner, finishing with 16 shots worth 1.9 expected goals (xG), with four of those on target, while Israel had 10 attempts in total worth 1.0 xG.

Hallgrimsson’s side are now unbeaten in their last 10 designated home games in all competitions (W5 D5), last doing so courtesy of a run of 12 which ended in May 2016.

But while Hallgrimsson had said before the game that the scrutiny his team have faced over the international break has taken its toll, he believes it has only brought Ireland closer together.

“I will 100% say this team is stronger,” said Hallgrimsson. “The bonding between players has grown so much. It is in these times leaders are born.

“In these times, you find out who are your true friends, who you trust. Even though it has been tough on us all, I think we will look back to these two weeks and say this was a defining moment for us, and every problem from now on will seem lesser than what we would have seen two weeks ago.

“I think that is a gain from all of this, and I think we need to look positive on a negative two weeks.

“We need now some time to reflect and go forward. It’s also the best time to find your enemies when you’re lying on the ground, and people are kicking you. It’s easy to see who was trying to kick you.”

The point leaves Ireland third in Group B3 after four matches, having accumulated five points, with Israel bottom of the table on two.

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