Troy Parrott had two goals disallowed as the Republic of Ireland played out a 0-0 draw with North Macedonia on the night they had hoped to book a place at the World Cup finals.
Five days after their hopes ended in Prague, Ireland and the Macedonians met in a friendly that neither side wanted while the Czech Republic and Denmark contested the play-off final. Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side could have taken consolation from a third successive home win — their best run since 2015-16 — but had to settle for a disappointing stalemate.
AZ Alkmaar striker Parrott was the main threat, and 37-year-old Seamus Coleman received a standing ovation from the 39,560 crowd at the Aviva Stadium when he was replaced in the second half, in what could be his final Ireland appearance. The squad will reconvene for end-of-season friendlies ahead of next season’s Nations League and Euro 2028 qualifying.
Ireland started on the front foot but struggled to find a cutting final ball for Parrott or Chiedozie Ogbene. John Egan could not direct an 11th-minute corner at goal and Ogbene saw a snapshot deflected over three minutes later. Caoimhin Kelleher had to parry Enis Bardhi’s 21st-minute free-kick after it flicked off the wall, and Bardhi volleyed over after the resulting corner was only half-cleared.
Macedonia keeper Stole Dimitrievski comfortably saved Parrott’s 23rd-minute header, following a move sparked by Dara O’Shea and Finn Azaz. Azaz then missed a free-kick two minutes later after being fouled just outside the area. Parrott was played into a promising position by Knight nine minutes before half-time but missed the target, and two minutes later snatched at another chance following Azaz’s clipped pass.
As the game wore on Parrott twice found the net in stoppage time, only for both efforts to be ruled out for offside. Ireland were unlucky not to lead after 52 minutes when Azaz met Coleman’s pass to find Parrott, who turned and struck the upright. Azaz curled an effort wide and Tihomir Kostadinov blocked a clear run on goal for Parrott as Ireland pushed, and it was veteran Coleman’s 61st-minute substitution that drew the loudest cheer.
Hallgrimsson’s subsequent wholesale changes disrupted the flow and the match petered out. Ireland substitute Johnny Kenny spurned a late chance to win it, firing weakly at the keeper, and the game finished goalless.