Republic of Ireland beaten at home by Serbia

The Republic of Ireland were beaten 2-1 by Serbia in their international friendly at the Aviva Stadium as Ljubinko Drulovic's side inflicted the first defeat on the Martin O'Neill/Roy Keane managerial partnership.Ireland were excellent in the first half and went into the break 1-0 up thanks to Shane Long's 11th international goal. The Hull City striker took advantage of a Branislav Ivanovic mistake in the eighth minute before coolly chipping the ball over Serbia goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic. Long then had a golden chance to double the lead just before the half-hour mark when set through on goal by Wes Hoolahan, only to see his first effort and then his rebound saved by Stojkovic.

Serbia's greater technical ability showed in the second half, and they levelled three minutes into the second period when James McCarthy put through his own goal as he attempted to intercept Aleksandar Kolarov's pass with Filip Dordevic waiting behind him to tap in.

Long wasted another great chance two minutes later when put through again by another Hoolahan pass, and Ireland were made to pay for Long's profligacy when Dordevic netted the winner on the hour.(uk.eurosport.yahoo.com)ANN.Az