Despite second half goals from two subs, Morrison and Doherty, the Republic of Ireland crashed to a 4-2 defeat in their opening Group Ten European Championship tie at the Lokomotiv Stadium in Moscow on Saturday.
Their overall performance was it has to be said complacement, but the spirit was there, with a 2-0 deficit going in at half time. The last time Ireland conceded was the 4-1 defeat by Denmark at Lansdowne Road in a World Cup qualifier on November 13 1985.
Although the Russians didn't look like they were going to split Ireland open with good football, the defence were looking shaky as they continually gave the ball away. Basically the Russians were bad, and we were worse.
After six minutes, Given made a mess of a back pass gifting the ball to Sergei Semak on the edge of the area, but the Russian captain failed to direct his effort goalwards. Duff and Keane combined again, but Duff failed to control the ball, when the Russians cleared up our attack successfully.
The Duffer strained his thigh, so on came Morrison and within minutes the Rusians were 1-0 up. Morrison came close with a headed sown ball from Harte, and it was a shame that Harte didnt have a go himself.
Midfield was well below par for Ireland, and had it have been on form like the performances in the World cup, the Russians would not have scored the second minutes later
Half Time: Russia 2 - 0 Republic of Ireland
Not a great start by Ireland, with too many attacking moves leading to not enough cover from the Russian counter attack. Bring on Gary Doherty, and from an Ian Harte corner Doherty headed his second goal for his country into the net. 2-1
Less than a minute and we were caught out again, and the Russiand restores their 2 goal lead.......shocking. The Kinsella played a wonderful ball to Finnan who crossed to Morrison, and the Birmingham city striker got Irelands second. The worst happened in the 87th minute when Kerzhakov ran clear and although Given made the save, the ball rebounded off Babb and into the net.
Final score Russia 4 - 2 Republic of Ireland.....shocking
Elsewhere, Switzerland beat Georgia 4-1 and they are now top of the group.......shocking! Republic of Ireland: Given, Finnan, Harte, Cunningham, Breen, Holland, McAteer, Kinsella, Duff, Keane, Kilbane
Subs: Morrison for Duff (18 minutes), Doherty for McAteer (65 minutes), Babb for Kilbane (86 minutes).
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