Ireland Beats Qatar 1-0 As Collins Header Seals Friendly Victory After Moylan Red Card

Republic of Ireland edged Qatar 1-0 at Aviva Stadium, surviving a red card for Jack Moylan and a later dismissal for Almoez Ali. Nathan Collins headed the only goal, while Heimir Hallgrimsson’s team extended an unbeaten run and gained momentum before facing World Cup co-hosts Canada next Saturday.

The game turned shortly before half-time when Moylan, who had supplied the free-kick for Collins’ opener, received a straight red card. Qatar also finished with 10 players after Ali was dismissed on 78 minutes, leaving Republic of Ireland to manage the contest and protect the narrow advantage.

Hallgrimsson’s side struck after just five minutes, taking control in front of the home crowd. Captain Collins rose above the defence and glanced Moylan’s curling free-kick beyond goalkeeper Homam El Amin. Jason Molumby then tried from distance, drawing a comfortable save as Republic of Ireland dictated most of the early play.

Qatar struggled to create clear chances despite the extra player after the break. Caoimhin Kelleher remained largely untroubled in the Republic of Ireland goal, though the Brentford goalkeeper reacted sharply on 71 minutes, when Yusuf Abdurisag’s shot deflected off Collins and needed to be turned behind at the near post.

The contest changed in stoppage time at the end of the first half. Moylan, fresh from a debut hat-trick against Grenada and already with an assist in this match, mistimed a challenge on Jassem Gaber in midfield. The referee showed a straight red card, leaving Moylan visibly upset as Republic of Ireland faced a difficult second period.

Qatar’s hopes of exploiting that advantage faded in the closing stages. Ali was sent off after raising both hands and pushing Molumby to the ground, levelling the numbers on 78 minutes. Republic of Ireland almost punished Qatar again late on when Collins headed across goal, but James Abankwah and Troy Parrott could not apply the finishing touch.

Republic of Ireland data debrief and records against Qatar

For Moylan, the evening brought mixed emotions. The forward became the first player to be sent off for Republic of Ireland in a home match since James McClean against Wales in October 2020. Yet Moylan, with three goals and one assist, also matched Robbie Brady’s 2012 feat by scoring or assisting in both of his first two caps.

Republic of Ireland also recorded a rare win despite a dismissal. The team had not triumphed after receiving a red card since October 2011, when Kevin Doyle was sent off in a 2-1 victory over Armenia. Collins turned match-winner here, becoming only the second Brentford player to score for Republic of Ireland, after Alan Judge against the United States in June 2018.

Hallgrimsson’s squad are now unbeaten in seven matches, with a record of five wins and two draws. This is their best sequence since an eight-game run between September 2021 and March 2022. The performance against Qatar appeared deserved, reflecting both the early dominance and the control shown after the red cards.

Key numbers supported that impression of superiority. Republic of Ireland produced 11 attempts and finished with an expected goals figure of 1.79, while Qatar managed eight shots and an xG of 0.33. The hosts also carried the greater threat from set plays, highlighted by Collins’ decisive header from Moylan’s early free-kick.

Republic of Ireland leave Aviva Stadium with another clean sheet, a winning goal from Collins and an extended unbeaten streak. Despite Moylan’s dismissal and some late pressure from Qatar, Hallgrimsson’s team managed the game effectively and now move on to face Canada with confidence and clear defensive structure.