Duffy grabs huge point for Ireland in UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying, Kayal engineers Israel win

Brighton & Hove Albion's Shane Duffy and Beram Kayal put in superb performances for their nations in this (Friday) evening's UEFA 2020 qualifiers.
Brighton & Hove Albion's Irish defender Shane Duffy. Picture courtesy of Getty ImagesBrighton & Hove Albion's Irish defender Shane Duffy. Picture courtesy of Getty Images
Brighton & Hove Albion's Irish defender Shane Duffy. Picture courtesy of Getty Images

Duffy's powerful header on 85 minutes salvaged a priceless point for the Republic of Ireland as they secured a 1-1 draw away to Denmark in Group D.

After a goalless first 45 minutes, the Danes took the lead thanks to a superb header from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg on 76 minutes. The Southampton midfielder nipped in front of Richard Keogh to head home past Darren Randolph.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But five minutes from time Duffy proved to be Ireland's saviour. An Alan Judge free-kick was superbly met by the Seagulls centre-back, who thumped his header past Kasper Schmeichel to maintain Ireland's unbeaten record.

The Republic of Ireland sit top of Group D with seven points from three games. The Irish sit three points clear of second-placed Switzerland, who have a game in hand on Mick McCarthy's side.

Ireland host bottom-of-the-table Gibraltar on Monday evening (7.45pm k.o.).

Read More
UEFA Nations League final for Propper, Jahanbakhsh on the scoresheet

Kayal played the part of provider as he helped Israel to a 3-0 away win over Latvia in Group G.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A wonderful free-kick from Eran Zahavi gave the Israeli's a ninth minute lead before Kayal set up Zahavi for his second. The Brighton midfielder chipped a delightful ball into the box for Zahavi to rifle home on 59 minutes to double the advantage.

Zahavi wrapped up the game, and his hat-trick, with ten minutes to go to keep Israel's undefeated qualifying campaign rolling.

Kayal was on the pitch for 73 minutes before he was replaced by Dan Glazer.

Israel sit second in Group G with seven points from three games, three points behind table-topping Poland. The two meet in Warsaw on Monday evening (7.45pm k.o.).