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RTÉ News
09-06-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Luxembourg v Republic of Ireland: All you need to know
International Friendly Luxembourg v Republic of Ireland, Stade de Luxembourg When Tuesday 9 June, kick-off 7.45pm TV/Player Watch live build-up and coverage of the match on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 7.30pm Radio There is no live coverage of the game Online There will be a live blog on the RTÉ News app, as well as updates and goals on RTÉ Sport on X, Instagram and Facebook. Weather A warm day in the Luxembourg capital, with temperatures reaching a high of 21 degrees. A little cooler in the evening with some cloud cover expected. Ending a long season on a high? Ireland's final run out before the start of the World Cup qualifying campaign will take place well off Broadway – Stade de Luxembourg has a capacity on par with Tallaght Stadium – but offers manager Heimir Hallgrimsson further opportunities to both build squad depth and momentum. Ninety days out from welcoming Hungary to Dublin – followed by an away trip to Armenia three days later – in a condensed qualifying schedule, the mood music within the Irish camp has changed considerably over the last 12 months. With the obvious exception of the England defeats, progress has been incremental under the Icelander. Finland was the venue for a rare away win, home and away success against Bulgaria in March preserved our Nations League B status while the performance last week against Senegal was encouraging given the calibre of opposition. Unbeaten in four of their last five games, the manager has made no secret that taking on a side ranked 91st in the world and coming at the end of the season offers a chance for experimentation. Given the struggles in recent years, Ireland supporters tend not to underestimate any team and Luxembourg have played a significant part in that recalibration. Fernandes furore It's just four years since Gerson Rodrigues scored the only goal in a World Cup qualifier in Dublin, a significant lowpoint in a Stephen Kenny reign that lurched from disastrous to underwhelming. The striker is making headlines again in his homeland, but not for reasons that will please manager Luc Holtz. Friday's 1-0 defeat to Slovenia was met by demonstrations by supporters after the Dynamo Kyiv striker was called into the squad despite his conviction for a domestic abuse offence. In a tetchy press conference, Holtz insisted he would not be swayed on his decision to continue selecting the frontman despite the fact Rodrigues was handed an 18-month suspended sentence after being found guilty of beating his partner at the time, former Miss Luxembourg Emilie Boland, in an incident in November 2022, and was also convicted of two other assaults. "The focus from the team is only on the pitch. All that is not on the pitch does not distract the players. It's not a distraction, no," he said. Pressed on whether further protests would impact the team tomorrow night, he responded: "That's nothing to interest the team of the coach," before the press officer intervended on a number of occasions to try and end the discussion. Home comforts? Luxembourg's form in general has been patchy to say the least. With just two clean sheets in their last 13 games and major struggles at the other end – averaging a goal every other game – they have won one of the last five games. While they have fared better on the road against teams closer to them in the rankings – last year they drew away to Bulgaria and Belarus yet lost to both at home – Northern Ireland will testify to the difficulty in leaving with a win. In November they threw away a 2-0 lead as Rodrigues again demonstrated his liking of Irish opposition to earn a draw in the Nations League. A shock victory over a Swedish side spearheaded by Premier League strikers Anthony Elanga and Aleksander Isak in March turned heads, a stark improvement from the 8-0 defeat the last time the two countries crossed paths in 2017. It points to a general upward trajectory for the small nation, something Hallgrimsson has referenced in the lead-up. "I wouldn't look at it as a shock to the nation if we did not get a good result here," he told the media this week. Old foes, new rivals Prior to the 2021 defeat, Ireland enjoyed routine wins over Europe's seventh-smallest country. Five wins from five and just two goals conceded, the Dublin debacle was proof for many the Kenny project was ultimately doomed. Kenny would last another 32 months and 30 games – including a 3-0 at Stade de Luxembourg – in the role, but it is his successor who appears to have brought renewed optimism with improved results. A much-changed Ireland may struggle for rhythm early on, but the expectation would be the momentum of recent showings should propel the Boys in Green to another positive results.
The Irish Sun
09-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Luxembourg vs Republic of Ireland predictions, odds and betting tips
THE REPUBLIC of Ireland return to action on Tuesday as they face Luxembourg, looking to extend their unbeaten run to four matches. After an encouraging 1-1 draw against Senegal on Friday, Heimir Hallgrímsson's side will aim to build momentum with another strong performance as preparations continue for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers starting in September. Quick Luxembourg vs Ireland tips Ireland to win - Troy Parrott to score anytime - BTTS - Luxembourg vs Ireland odds Find the latest football betting odds for Luxembourg vs Ireland. Our odds are provided by the Luxembourg vs Ireland predictions Optimism is growing that manager Heimir Hallgrímsson can guide the Boys in Green to their first World Cup finals since 2002. Under the Icelandic coach, Ireland have shown clear signs of progress. While they face a tough qualifying group featuring Portugal, Hungary, and Armenia, a second-place finish - and the accompanying play-off spot - is seen as a realistic target. Back-to-back wins over Bulgaria secured Ireland's place to Nations League B, and those results were followed by an encouraging 1-1 draw against Senegal on Friday night. Kasey McAteer marked his first start in a green shirt with a 21st-minute goal. Both sides created chances, but it was Senegal's superior quality in the final third that told, as substitute Ismaila Sarr finally found a way past Caoimhin Kelleher in the 82nd minute. On the balance of play, the visitors probably merited a draw to maintain their unbeaten run. Still, Ireland can take plenty of positives from a strong display against an in-form Senegal side. A win over Luxembourg is no longer the formality it once was. In their last outing, the Red Lions fell just short in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Slovenia on Friday, with Tamar Svetlin scoring the only goal just before half-time. That result marked Luxembourg's first home loss in three matches. While Luc Holtz's side have struggled for overall consistency, recent performances at the Luxembourg Stadium suggest they are no pushovers on home soil. In March, they claimed an impressive 1-0 win over Sweden in a friendly, and last November, they came from two goals down to earn a hard-fought Nations League 2-2 draw against Northern Ireland. READ MORE SUN STORIES Luxembourg vs Ireland betting tips Heimir Hallgrímsson will be keen to maintain the momentum his side has built in recent outings and avoid a setback on the road against Luxembourg. While this fixture presents its challenges, Ireland head into the match as favourites to win. Our Luxembourg vs Republic of Ireland match betting tips are below: Ireland to win Luxembourg may have managed a win and a draw in their last three home games, but their overall form remains inconsistent. That includes their disappointing loss to Slovenia on Friday night. In contrast, Ireland appears to be on an upward trajectory. If the Boys in Green can replicate the level of performance they showed in Friday's 1-1 draw with Senegal, there's every reason to believe they can secure another win at the Luxembourg Stadium. Ireland ran out 3-0 winners on their last visit in November 2021. While a repeat of that scoreline may be unlikely, Heimir Hallgrímsson's side should still have enough quality to get the job done. ➡️ Troy Parrott to score anytime After missing out on a starting role against Senegal due to illness, Troy Parrott is expected to return to the lineup against Luxembourg. The 23-year-old is coming off a standout season with AZ Alkmaar, where he netted 20 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions. With Heimir Hallgrímsson looking to get his in-form striker more comfortable at international level, backing Parrott to score anytime here looks like a smart bet. ➡️ Both teams to score We know that Luxembourg have their issues in front of goal, but Ireland have their own problems at the back. The Boys in Green have conceded in eight of their last nine matches. Furthermore, the hosts have scored in four of their last six matches and in two of their last three at home. No in this market is the favourite at 8/13. We think it's worth a small wager on yes at odds against, especially given Ireland's recent defensive record. ➡️ 📺 How to watch Luxembourg vs Republic of Ireland Location : Stade de Luxembourg, Luxembourg. Date and time : Tuesday 10th June, 7.45pm. How to watch : RTE2, RTE Player and Amazon Prime Video. About the author Craig Mahood Craig Mahood is an expert in sports betting and online casinos and has worked with the company since 2020. He joined the Betting & Gaming team at The Sun in June 2022 and works closely with the leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to provide content on all areas of sports betting and gaming. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter at the Scottish Sun, covering Scottish football with particular focus on Celtic and Rangers, As well as football, he has covered horse racing, boxing, darts, the Olympics and tennis for the Sun. Responsible gambling A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chase their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry, or depressed Problem gambling – Gamble Aware – Help with gambling addiction If you have a problem with gambling, or you know someone who does, help is out there. Extern Problem Gambling is the leading provider of information, treatment, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling harms across Ireland. Most read in Betting
Daily Record
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Steve Clarke directly addresses Scotland flak as he tells the disgruntled 'I don't need to be loved'
The national team head coach has came under more pressure from some fans in the wake of Friday's dismal defeat to Iceland Steve Clarke insists he is 'not bothered' about calls from disillusioned supporters that his time as Scotland manager is up and is adamant he is a guy who does not need to be loved. The former West Brom boss is facing fresh another inquest from fans in some quarters after watching his team fall to a 3-1 friendly defeat to Iceland on Friday night, with the head coach and his players booed off the pitch at Hampden. That loss has extended the national team's record to just four wins in their last 20 matches in all competitions, with Scotland suffering relegation to Nations League B earlier this year following a two-legged relegation play-off defeat to Greece, who they will face again in World Cup 2026 qualifying later this year. Clarke will need to pick his players up for the trip to face Liechtenstein on Monday night, the Scots' final friendly encounter before they kick off their qualifying campaign with a tough assignment on away soil against Denmark in September. But the 61-year-old - who is under contract with the SFA until after next year's finals in North America - insists he is able to handle the calls for the sack like water off a duck's back. Speaking to BBC Sport Scotland, he said: "(I'll handle it) just the way that I handle everything else. I try to be very measured in my approach and I try to be very measured in my approach to life. "I've done alright. I'm over 60. I'm still involved in the game. "So I must have a fair idea how to deal with the disappointments and also how to deal with the highs as well. "Football, especially club football can be week to week and can be one minute (you are) up and one minute (you are) down. "It's a little bit like that in international football but it's more spread out. You just have to learn to deal with it. "I think my character is quite suited to being the guy who gets all the stick. "Everybody likes to be loved but I don't.... I'm very good at not going on social media and reading the newspapers or whatever. "You get a general feel for what's happening in the world of football that concerns you but no, that doesn't bother me too much."
The Irish Sun
06-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Republic of Ireland vs Senegal predictions, odds and betting tips
THE REPUBLIC of Ireland will welcome Senegal to the Aviva Stadium on Friday night for the first of two friendlies ahead of this year's World Cup qualifiers. Buoyed by back-to-back wins, the Boys in Green will be given a stern test by the in-form African giants, who haven't lost for well over a year. Ireland vs Senegal tips Senegal to win or draw and BTTS - Ismaila Sarr to score anytime - Troy Parrott to score anytime - Ireland vs Senegal odds Find the latest football betting odds for Ireland vs Senegal. Our odds are provided by the Ireland vs Senegal predictions The Republic of Ireland return to action on Friday night against an in-form Senegal side, as Heimir Hallgrimsson's men continue preparations for their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Ireland will be buoyed by back-to-back 2-1 wins over Bulgaria in their two most recent outings. The 4-2 aggregate win sealed their Nations League B survival and provided some much-needed momentum after a difficult few years. Having failed to qualify for the last four major tournaments, Hallgrimsson will be under pressure to lead Ireland to the 2026 World Cup. He will have his work cut out, with the Boys in Green drawn in a tricky UEFA Group F alongside Portugal, Hungary and Armenia. Since taking over in July 2024, the Icelandic coach has overseen a steady improvement, guiding Ireland to four wins in six since a shaky start. Now, he'll be hoping to extend that run of improved form with positive performances against Senegal and Luxembourg during this international window. Hallgrimsson is likely to be without Seamus Coleman for the match - the skipper is still recovering from injury and is unlikely to be risked. The Irish head coach is also likely to experiment at some point with the uncapped John Joe Patrick Finn, Josh Keeley, Killian Phillips and Josh Honohan all included in the squad. Senegal poses a significant threat. The Lions of Teranga are unbeaten in their last 14 matches. The run includes 10 wins and four draws and sees them firmly in the mix to qualify for the 2026 World Cup from CAF Group B, where they sit second in the table with 12 points from six matches. Pape Thiaw's side don't have the services of Sadio Mane to call upon this Friday. But many Premier League fans will recognise Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson and Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr, who are likely to be a part of Senegal's front three. READ MORE SUN STORIES Ireland vs Senegal betting tips Despite having the home comforts of the Aviva Stadium in their favour, Heimir Hallgrimsson's Ireland team are the underdogs. Find out if they can prove the bookies wrong in our Republic of Ireland vs Senegal match betting tips below: Senegal to win or draw and BTTS Unfortunately for Republic of Ireland fans, Senegal boast a strong squad with several members regularly playing at the highest level of European football, including the Premier League. As a result, we don't see the visitors losing. But, not all hope is lost. Given Ireland's improvement under Hallgrimsson, we can see at least a goal for the Boys in Green, and maybe even a draw. ➡️ Ismaila Sarr to score anytime Ismaila Sarr finished his club season on a massive high with Crystal Palace. As well as lifting the FA Cup at Wembley, Sarr also scored twice in Palace's 3-0 semi-final win over Aston Villa. In the Premier League, Sarr was just as impressive. He contributed two assists and a final-day goal against Liverpool in his last three league appearances for the Eagles. There are options in this market for Senegal. Sarr's Premier League counterpart, Nicolas Jackson also finished the season well with Chelsea, scoring in his team's 4-1 win over Real Betis in the Europa Conference League final. Jackson is 27/10 to score anytime. We are sticking with Sarr, though, as we believe he is the player in better form and more likely to replicate it on the international stage. ➡️ Troy Parrott to score anytime Troy Parrott has enjoyed an excellent season with AZ Alkmaar, scoring an impressive 20 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions for the Dutch side. While the former Spurs striker has yet to replicate that form on the international stage, this could be the perfect moment for Parrott to make his mark in a green shirt. Heimir Hallgrimsson will be well aware that goals from Parrott could prove crucial in Ireland's push for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. So expect the manager to play to his striker's strengths in a bid to unlock his full potential at international level. ➡️ 📺 How to watch Republic of Ireland vs Senegal Location : Aviva Stadium, Dublin Ireland. Date and time : Friday 6th June, 7.45pm. How to watch : RTE2, RTE Player and Amazon Prime Video. About the author Craig Mahood Craig Mahood is an expert in sports betting and online casinos and has worked with the company since 2020. He joined the Betting & Gaming team at The Sun in June 2022 and works closely with the leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to provide content on all areas of sports betting and gaming. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter at the Scottish Sun, covering Scottish football with particular focus on Celtic and Rangers, As well as football, he has covered horse racing, boxing, darts, the Olympics and tennis for the Sun. Responsible gambling A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chase their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry, or depressed Problem gambling – Gamble Aware – Help with gambling addiction If you have a problem with gambling, or you know someone who does, help is out there. Extern Problem Gambling is the leading provider of information, treatment, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling harms across Ireland. Most read in Betting
Irish Independent
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Ireland seal late smash-and-grab win over Turkey as substitute Emily Murphy bags her first international goal
Women's Nations League: Turkey 1 Ireland 2 Istanbul represents the meeting point of two worlds but for Ireland here, shaky evidence of fitful progress as they seek to bridge their own division between mediocrity and a return to the elite. Ascending from the mediocre ranks of Nations League B is paramount, not merely to gain much more competitive company for them and attractive fare for punters and sponsors.
