Tomorrow, Sunday, the Nations League B return leg pits Ireland against Israel at Serbia’s modest TSC Arena, a 4,500‑seat ground in Bačka Topola. The fixture arrives amid protests over the Israel‑Palestine conflict, mirroring the first leg held in Hungary.
The atmosphere on the pitch is equally charged. Irish players declined a handshake, bowed their heads for Israel’s anthem and wore black armbands for Palestinian victims, while no captains exchanged pennants.
Juan Martínez Munuera from Valencia will take charge, flanked by Spanish assistants Carlos Álvarez Fernández and Iván Masso. Future international Alejandro Quintero serves as fourth official, and VAR duties fall to César Soto Grado, assisted by Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz. In my view, an all‑Spanish crew brings a fresh layer of impartiality.
It will be Munuera’s debut with Ireland’s senior side, his only prior experience a U21 loss. His Israeli résumé includes a victorious outing with Hapoel Beer Sheva. Will the officiating calm the sparks on the pitch?