The FAI has confirmed June friendlies for Ireland against Senegal and Luxembourg. These matches are crucial as preparation for an upcoming World Cup qualifier against Hungary. Senegal, featuring top players including Sadio Mané, will provide a significant challenge. Ireland’s coach, Heimir Hallgrímsson, emphasized their importance for player development and anticipation surrounds both matches.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has announced two friendly matches for the Republic of Ireland in June. The first match will be against Senegal, to be held at the Aviva Stadium, while the second will take place in Luxembourg. These matches serve as preparation for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Hungary set for September 6th in Dublin.
Senegal, the reigning champions of the 2021 African Nations Cup, are anticipated to field many players from elite European clubs, including former Liverpool winger Sadio Mané. The team had performed commendably in the 2022 World Cup, reaching the Round of 16 before losing to England by a score of 3-0. Senegal currently holds the 17th position in the FIFA world rankings, with Ireland situated at 60th.
Heimir Hallgrímsson, head coach of Ireland, expressed his satisfaction with securing Senegal as an opponent, emphasizing the importance of competing against a high-caliber international team for player development and preparation for World Cup qualifiers. “Testing ourselves against a top tier international side is crucial for the players’ development but also for our preparations for World Cup qualifying,” he stated.
Furthermore, Hallgrímsson highlighted the excitement surrounding the match, which will mark the first time the two nations have faced each other. Following the Senegal match, Ireland will travel to Luxembourg for a different challenge, which will occur before their World Cup campaign begins.
The confirmed June fixtures, with the date for the Senegal match to be determined, are:
– Republic of Ireland vs. Senegal, Aviva Stadium, Date TBC
– Luxembourg vs. Republic of Ireland, Stade de Luxembourg, Tuesday, June 10th at 7:45 PM (Irish Time).
The Republic of Ireland has scheduled two important friendly matches in June against Senegal and Luxembourg, which will help the team prepare for their World Cup qualifying campaign. The fixtures provide an opportunity to face competitive opposition, enhancing player development. The matches against Senegal and Luxembourg are pivotal for Ireland’s strategic preparations ahead of their qualifier against Hungary in September.
Original Source: www.irishtimes.com
