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The Republic of Ireland ended their epic goal drought and were on their way to a brilliant start to their World Cup campaign until Aleksandar Mitrovic came on as a substitute.
The Fulham striker scored twice in a row to capitalize on Dusan Vlahovic’s effort in the first half, which nullified the lead Alan Browne gave Stephen Kenny’s men. A late goal from James Collins was not enough to save a point from an honorable Irish performance.
Kenny looks forward to his first win since his appointment as Ireland’s manager. If he doesn’t arrive at home against Luxembourg on Saturday, then Ireland can probably forget about returning to the world stage after an absence of two decades.
However, green shoots of hope could be seen in his exhibition in Belgrade, where, with a team weakened by injuries and after seven games without a goal, he took a well-deserved lead.
Kenny made bold selections and his answer to the puzzle of how to fit two of Ireland’s best players on the team was to alter the formation, deploying Séamus Coleman on all three defenders while Matt Doherty started on right back. Browne and Josh Cullen did well in midfield and Preston’s man opened the scoring with a delightful goal that vindicated the coach’s training. Left back Enda Stevens scrambled down the flank before serving the vibrant Callum Robinson, who hit a delicate cross to the back post. Browne jumped higher and guided a head butt down to the corner of the net.
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Serbia is also in transition with two rookies in the lineup chosen by their new coach, Dragan Stojkovic. But they have a class at the helm that Ireland simply does not have. They proved it just before the break, when Vlahovic beat Dara O’Shea with a quick move from the inventive Dusan Tadic and finished smoothly. Ireland had smartly defended themselves up to that and continued to do so as the hosts forced them back.
Mitrovic needed ingenuity to shoot Serbia in front. Five minutes after being introduced, he received a pass from Tadic and sent a graceful balloon from 20 yards over Mark Travers, the 21-year-old goalkeeper making his competitive international debut.
Mitrovic soon sealed his team’s victory, headlining another good cross from Tadic beyond Travers. Ireland fought back, with Shane Long attacking a defensive error to allow James Collins to make it 3-2.
“The players were phenomenal,” Kenny said. “I can’t believe we conceded three goals because it didn’t feel like that kind of game. [Serbia] they have been ruthless with their finish. We are really disappointed. “
