Murphy’s goal nicked a point for Ireland after Martin O’Neill’s side looked in a precarious position, having fallen behind despite taking an early lead.
Advertisement
Ireland had taken the lead after just three minutes, courtesy of Jeff Hendricks’ first senior global goal before Kostic himself levelled the scores on 62 minutes.
It was header from substitute Daryl Murphy ten minutes from time that saw the side snatch a point, and O’Neill thought his side deserved to take something from the trip.
The object of last night’s exercise was to avoid defeat in Ireland’s opening World Cup Group D qualifier on the road to Russian Federation 2018.
“You would’ve taken a point before the game started away from home against a rejuvenated Serbia”.
“It’s very, very hard when you’re playing away from home against Serbia”. He was also missing two big-name players, with Manchester City defender Aleksandar Kolarov and Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic suspended after their dismissals against the Portuguese 11 months ago.
Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill praised the character shown by his side to salvage a 2-2 draw from their World Cup qualifier against Serbia.
Robbie Brady revealed after last night’s opening 2018 World Cup qualifier in Belgrade last night that he specifically asked to wear the Irish number 10 shirt. He’s had a big boost at club level. But his third minute strike, his first for Ireland in his 27th appearance, may open the floodgates.
Serbia: P Rajkovic; Ivanovic, Nastasic, Vukovic; Rukavina, Gudelj, Milivojevic, Mladenovic; Tadic, A Mitrovic, Kostic. Subs. Quinn 7, Murphy 8, Clark N/A.
Serbia’s 3-4-3 had the effect of nullifying Ireland’s expectation of parity in the middle of the field, and Whelan was dragged across the field time and again as Dusan Tadic in particular wandered infield at will.
The visitors were ahead for nearly an hour following Jeff Hendrick’s opener, which found the net via a deflection off Branislav Ivanovic after two minutes. And the West Ham goalkeeper is out to catch Tadic’s cross from the short corner. The hosts created better chances early in the second half, but Vaclav Kadlec sent his low shot straight at McGovern after three Czechs had stormed into the visitors’ box.
69′ – GOAL! Serbia 2-1 Republic of Ireland.
“Their penalty looked soft”.
Ivanovic had an opportunity to win the game for his side five minutes from the final whistle, but Coleman again was on the line to make the vital clearance and earn Ireland a point from an entertaining clash.
Serbia will next face Moldova on October 6.
Advertisement
Playing their first competitive game since their 1-0 defeat to Wales in the last-16 phase of Euro 2016, Northern Ireland relied on solid defence and breakaways throughout the game.
