Republic of Ireland 0-1 Iceland
- Published
Robbie Brady captained the Republic in Seamus Coleman's absence
The Republic of Ireland's 15-game unbeaten run at the Aviva Stadium ended as their under-strength side were beaten by Iceland in the friendly.
Hordur Magnusson's superb 21st-minute free-kick secured victory as Iceland bossed the first half and then dealt with the Republic's second-half rally.
Preston's Daryl Horgan was the pick of the Republic's four debutants.
John Egan and Conor Hourihane both started, with Horgan's Preston team-mate Andy Boyle used off the bench.
The Republic lacked urgency in the first half, with Iceland's Aron Sigurdarson the perfect link between midfield and attack, but the home side picked up the pace in the second period with Horgan producing a couple of dangerous crosses.
But the home team's flat first half proved their undoing as they were unable to rouse themselves four days after captain Seamus Coleman suffered a horrific double leg fracture in the World Cup qualifying draw with Wales.
In Coleman's absence, Burnley's Robbie Brady captained the Republic from left-back, but his normally reliable crossing and set-piece delivery deserted him on several occasions.
James McClean partnered Kevin Doyle in the Republic's attack
Hendrick & McClean only starters from Wales game
Jeff Hendrick and James McClean were the only players to retain starting roles from Friday's goalless draw, as Brentford's Egan and Aston Villa's Hourihane were handed debuts in central defence and midfield.
Iceland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson made eight changes from the weekend World Cup qualifying win over Kosovo, but his side were still able to show the organisation which characterised their march to the quarter-finals at Euro 2016.
Egan made a reasonably assured opening to his international career, only to concede the free-kick on the edge of the box which was beautifully curled over the wall by Bristol City full-back Magnusson.
With the Republic's midfield failing to function and forwards Kevin Doyle and McClean not gelling, Iceland dominated the second quarter with Alfred Finnbogason going close as the visitors began to attack in waves.
The Republic produced a much-improved second half as Aberdeen's Jonny Hayes and Horgan produced a series of dangerous crosses, before Doyle and substitute Callum O'Dowda had efforts blocked.
But while there was home huff and puff, Iceland stood firm to clinch the victory their first-half superiority warranted.
Aron Sigurdarson (left) particularly excelled in the first half for Iceland
Man of the match - Aron Sigurdarson
With skipper Aron Gunnarsson and Olafur Skulason winning the central midfield battle against Hendrick and Hourihane, man of the match Sigurdarson was able to link with Kjartan Finnbogason and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson to good effect.
Sigurdarson was replaced after 65 minutes but remained the pick of the performers in Dublin.
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