Ireland's Greek odyssey ends in disappointing defeat

There would be no historic away victory for Stephen Kenny's side, as the Republic of Ireland suffered a 2-1 defeat to Greece in their Euro 2024 qualifier in Athens.

And in truth, the travelling Ireland side never came close, as they were second best throughout this lively encounter at the OPAP Arena.

Tasos Bakasetas handed the hosts the lead from the penalty spot after 15 minutes, and while Nathan Collins pulled one back before half-time, Giorgos Masouras bagged the winner shortly after the break to secure all three points for Gus Poyet’s side. Ireland would end the game with ten men as Matt Doherty received his marching orders in the final minute of injury time.

Looking to secure their first points of this qualifying campaign, Stephen Kenny named an attacking line-up with Will Smallbone coming into the side, while Adam Idah was included to bring power and pace into the attack; Darragh Lenihan getting the nod over Dara O'Shea in defence.

And by the time kick-off eventually came around, at 9:45pm local time, the earlier thunder and lightning storms and accompanying torrential rain had long departed the scene; the pitch looking close to perfect in the brand new stadium, although the locals could only manage to half fill it, with a few thousand vocal Irish taking over a full corner in a sea of green.

Then a moment of silence before kick-off in honour of the victims from the recent boat tragedy off Greece, while players of both teams wore black armbands.

If Ireland had attacking intentions ahead of the game, it was the home side who burst out of the blocks in the opening exchanges

Kostas Tsimikas attacked on the left before clipping a clever ball to back post that required a vital John Egan intervention to prevent Bakasetas