Ireland shocked in Armenia as Spertsyan hits winner

The Republic of Ireland's eight-game unbeaten run was smashed in Yerevan as Armenia shocked Stephen Kenny’s side, winning 1-0 at the Republican Stadium.

Ireland dominated throughout the opening 45 minutes in sweltering conditions in the Armenian capital, however, it was the home side who pushed on to secure the points in the second half.

The winning goal arrived in the 74th minute as Eduard Spertsyan’s long-range effort flew in off the post as Ireland’s quest for their first ever UEFA Nations League victory continues.

The first of four games inside ten days, it was the sweltering conditions in the Armenian capital to start the summer series.

As expected, it was Ireland who dictated the pace of play in the early stages, knocking the ball around unchallenged, looking for openings down both flanks and through the middle.

Yet nothing was happening in the final third, with a touch of frustration, perhaps, creeping in due to the deep defending of the home side, while a couple of long hopeful balls served no purpose, expending energy in the hot conditions.

It was the home side who sparked the game into life as they managed to work a shot on goal with their first foray forward.

In the sixth minute, the ball was played into the advanced Tigran Barseghyan on the left side of the penalty area and with his snap-shot sneaking in at the near post, Caoimhin Kelleher got down well to make the save.

A minute later, the home side were in on goal again as Eduard Spertsyan was played into the box. Shane Duffy had to be alert to cover and block the shot.

Duffy then picked up a yellow card in the eighth minute after a poor pass inside from Nathan Collins behind Jeff Hendrick, and the defender's late lunge prevented a possible burst through on goal.

Ire