All three goals came in the first half at the Nagyerdei Stadion. Troy Parrott opened the scoring in the 14th minute, finishing from close range after a cutback from James Abankwah. Two minutes later, Adam Idah doubled the lead, slotting home after a through ball from Jack Moylan.
Moylan then completed the scoring in the 25th minute with a powerful drive into the far corner for his first competitive international goal. Ireland controlled the remainder of the contest, with goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher making several important saves to preserve the clean sheet.
The match was played against a backdrop of intense political debate. Ireland’s players wore black armbands in solidarity with Palestinians and bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem. They also declined pre-match handshakes. Captain Dara O’Shea pledged to donate his match earnings to aid in Gaza.
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu had withdrawn from the squad, stating it would be wrong for him to participate. The Football Association of Ireland confirmed the fixture would go ahead after a players’ vote, with UEFA accepting the arrangement regarding the lack of handshakes.
Despite the fraught build-up, Ireland produced a dominant performance to claim their first points of the Nations League campaign. The return fixture is scheduled for next month.