Republic of Ireland 0-1 Iceland
Will you remember the night John Egan, Conor Hourihane, Andy Boyle and Daryl Horgan made their debuts for the Republic of Ireland?
Of course you won’t sports betting fans because football games like this, largely, are instantly forgettable – even if the latter two players will be remembered fondly in Dundalk.
A disappointing result for the Irish yes, but one that mattered? Not really.
In the end, Hordur Magnusson’s superb 21st-minute free-kick was all that separated the sides in live betting as both nations managed just one shot on target on a night the hosts’ 15-match unbeaten run at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin came to an end.
Whether it was the low-key occasion, the failure to lift themselves after skipper Seamus Coleman’s horrific leg break four days ago or the fact Martin O’Neill selected a mainly second-string, experimental side; there wasn’t much to write home about.
Of the 37,241 who were there, some indeed may consider this match a pointless exercise while others will be pleased with the chance to give run-outs to new faces against an in-vogue Iceland team.
Iceland dominated for an hour and deserved to end Ireland’s three-year unbeaten home record.
Yet, there were still positives to take with ex-Dundalk duo Boyle and Horgan the pick of the new caps.
The Green Army will know this result counts for nothing, nor should they be too concerned at the failure of their boys to score a goal in 180 minutes – this following a goalless draw with Wales in World Cup qualifying last week.
And with friendlies against Mexico and Uruguay to come in June, perhaps this was the first in a trio of matches from which O’Neill can learn a lot ahead of what he hopes will lead to a trip to Russia next summer.
For the latest sports update, promotions and betting picks with SBOBET get social with our official Twitter, Google+, YouTube and Facebook accounts. Visit SBOBET and join us now. Start placing your bets today!
Click for more football betting options.
