Republic of Ireland vs Belarus: Score, Reaction from 2016 International Friendly

The Republic of Ireland dropped their last international friendly ahead of UEFA Euro 2016 starting on June 10, losing 2-1 at home against Belarus on Tuesday.   

The Irish dominated possession throughout the first half at Turners Cross, but Mikhail Gordeychuk gave the visitors a shock lead with a lovely finish. The same pattern held after the break, but another defensive error allowed Maksim Volodko to double the lead.

Stephen Ward pulled one back for the Irish shortly after, but despite sustained pressure, the hosts couldn’t score a second goal. Ireland’s next outing will be in France against Sweden.

Shortly before kick-off, news broke that Bournemouth star Harry Arter would not be playing, via Sky Sports News HQ:

BREAKING NEWS: Republic of Ireland midfielder Harry Arter out of Euro 2016 with thigh injury #SSNHQ https://t.co/WtRmB1KmUm

— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) May 31, 2016

As a result, Ireland manager Martin O’Neill’s starting XI looked like this:

15 minutes to go! Here is our starting 11! #COYBIG #IRLBEL pic.twitter.com/CW7u6xOTlC

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) May 31, 2016

The hosts had the brighter start, with Stephen Ward in particular looking lively. The left-back fired two dangerous crosses into the box, but twice Belarus found a way to clear before any of his team-mates got a shot off.

Aiden McGeady tried to pick out Ward with a clever pass, but the ball left his boot just too late, as the official raised the flag for offside. Ciaran Clark and Jeff Hendrick dominated in midfield, and Daryl Murphy’s touch left him down after a good pass from Darron Gibson .

But for all of their dominance, big chances evaded the Irish, and Belarus struck gold with one of their first chances. Gordeychuk produced a stunning finish after Igor Stasevich created some space on the edge of the box, giving goalkeeper Shay Given no chance.

Paddy Power was a little disappointed:

It’s fine, no cause for concern. I mean, before tonight Belarus hadn’t scored since October ’15. But it’s …

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