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Captain Nathan Collins’ Header Gives Ireland Victory over Qatar
Ireland’s 28,981 fans saw three debuts and two red cards as Nathan Collins scored early and repeated tennis-ball protests disrupted the friendly.
- On Thursday, May 28, 2026, Captain Nathan Collins headed the Republic of Ireland to a 1-0 victory over World Cup-bound Qatar at the Aviva Stadium, scoring the decisive goal five minutes into the friendly match.
- Demonstrators among the crowd of 28,981 repeatedly threw tennis balls onto the pitch from the 10th to 40th minute, with 'Stop the Game' protesters aiming to highlight the situation in Gaza.
- Referee Jamie Robinson dismissed Ireland's Jack Moylan for a reckless challenge on the stroke of half-time, while Qatar substitute Almoez Ali was sent off 12 minutes from time for striking out at an opponent.
- Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson utilized the second half to field debutants Jaden Umeh and Mason Melia, while Qatar, managed by Julen Lopetegui, failed to capitalize on their numerical advantage after Moylan's dismissal.
- Preparations for upcoming tournaments continue as Ireland travels to Montreal for a June 6 match against Canada, while Qatar launches their Group B World Cup campaign against Switzerland in San Francisco on June 13.
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19 Articles
19 Articles
Ireland edge Qatar on night of protests, red cards and debuts
Nathan Collins has developed into a man mountain of the team since making his debut against Qatar in 2021 and against the same opposition provided a footballing storyline to a night dominated by off-field matters.
·Cork, Ireland
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources19
Leaning Left6Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Left
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources lean Left
67% Left
L 67%
C 22%
11%
Factuality
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