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Callum Robinson's 13-minute penalty doubled Republic's lead at Aviva Stadium
Callum Robinson, the Republic of Ireland's in-form player, scored a hat-trick to win 4-0 in friendly against World Cup hosts Qatar in Dublin.
After scoring a double in Saturday’s World Cup qualifier win in Azerbaijan on Saturday, the West Brom player put the Republic ahead in just four minutes with a deflected goal.
Robinson extended his lead nine minutes later, converting the penalty spot into a goal. He then scored his third goal on 53 minutes.
Shane Duffy completed the home win with a signature 59th-minute header.
The Republic's first-half energy put them in control against a Qatari side that seemed low on confidence after their recent poor results.
Robinson's opening goal seemed to instill belief in Stephen Kenny's team. Conor Hourihane and Jamie McGrath exchanged passes before Robinson's shot from just outside of the penalty area clipped defender Bassam Hisham Al-Rawi, and looped past keeper Meshaal Barsham.
The game was effectively ended when Robinson converted McGrath's penalty. Jeff Hendrick was a lively presence in midfield.
Hosts of the World Cup are facing some serious challenges
Since losing their CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal 1-0 to USA in late July, Qatar's form has been severely affected.
Since then, they have suffered a 4-0 defeat against Serbia and the Republic. They also lost 3-1 and 3-0 to Portugal. Felix Sanchez's side was also involved in an uninspiring 1-1 loss in Luxembourg.
While Qatar's Fifa ranking of 43 is seven points higher than the Republic's, it was no match for Kenny at the Aviva Stadium.
However, Kenny's Tuesday result was a very satisfying week. This was his first competitive win at Baku - at the 13th try - and was followed by this impressive success.
Caoimhin Kelleher, Liverpool's goalkeeper, was one of five changes in the Azerbaijan contest. However, he barely had any saves to make since Qatar presented no threat.
Callum Robinson continued his goals in Azerbaijan with three more at the Aviva Stadium against Qatar
Robinson continues his exciting week
Robinson's admission that he did not want to get a Covid-19 vaccine prompted much media attention in Ireland. Kenny Egan, the manager, and John Egan, the Baku team captain, were forced to defend Robinson's decision.
Robinson's goals in the first half set up Saturday's win by 3-0 to relieve Kenny of any pressure - and he delivered once again for his manager.
The Baggies' frontman was always looking for the ball and his deflected attempt at the ball came when the Republic won a throw in on their left wing. His shot followed a quick exchange of passes between McGrath, Hourihane and McGrath.
Chiedozie Obene almost connected with an Hourihane cross, before Robinson converted his penalty following McGrath's trip by Karim Boudiaf.
Ogbene, an African-born player, was almost on the scoresheet at 40 minutes, when he headed a Robinson cross towards the bar.
After the break, it was just the same as before. Hendrick's defense-splitting pass allowed Robinson to complete his triple.
Duffy scored the winning goal by heading in a Hourihane corner to net, before the inevitable succession of substitutions saw dominant hosts lose their momentum.
What's next?
The Republic's hopes of reaching Qatar were dashed by three defeats in Group A. However, they will be hoping to revive their chances of winning the World Cup when they face Portugal on November 11. Three days later, they will complete their campaign in Luxembourg.
