What changed
The Republic of Ireland finished a punishing four-game international window with a 1-1 draw against Israel behind closed doors in Backa Topola, Serbia. Over two weeks, Heimir Hallgrimsson’s team travelled about 5,000 miles, played only once at home and collected five points from 12.
Why it matters
The football was only part of the strain. Ireland’s matches against Israel unfolded amid calls for a boycott over the Israel-Gaza war, Gavin Bazunu’s decision to withdraw because he felt it was wrong to participate, and a player vote on whether to continue.
Finn Azaz faced the most personal pressure. He has family links to Israel through his mother, and Hallgrimsson said the midfielder was not mentally ready to play after Ireland wore black armbands and bowed their heads during the Israeli anthem. Azaz stayed on the bench after starting the 2-2 draw with Austria.
The Football Association of Ireland also denied accusations that Irish players made racist comments and investigated alleged abuse directed at Ireland’s players by Israel fans in Debrecen. That left a football squad carrying political conflict, internal disagreement and public scrutiny into every match.
Hallgrimsson’s blunt conclusion was that the window had taken a toll, while praising his players for getting through it. The immediate question is whether Azaz remains with Ireland; the manager said he hopes so and sees nothing pointing to him quitting.
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