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Date Time League Season
7 September 2021 7:45 pm World Cup Qualification 2021/22

Match Report

OG secures hard earned Irish draw

The Republic of Ireland picked up a hard earned point, following a 1-1 draw at the Aviva Stadium, in tonight’s FIFA 2020 World Cup qualifier, against Serbia.

Despite going 1-0 behind in the 20th minute, Sergej Mikinkovic-Savic with a header from a corner, the Boys in Green managed to get a share of the spoils, following a defensive calamity by Serbia, saw them concede an own goal.

Although just 19 years of age, Gavin Bazunu produced a sensational performance. The Irish goalkeeper made some phenomenal saves, and was unlucky not to deal with the Serbian Goal.

The visitors looked impressive early on, Bazunu keeping Serbia at bay, while Ireland tried to find a route to goal, but failed to create any clear chances.

However, Serbia struck on the 20th minute, Dušan Tadic with an in swinging corner on the right, Sergej Mikinkovic-Savic towering in the Irish box, and his powerful header managed to get past Bazunu in the Irish goal.

It took until the 26th minute for Ireland, to register their first shot on target, Jeff Hendrick striking the ball from a free kick, the effort hit straight at the Serbian goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic.

Bazunu was still in fine form during the second half, making a fine stop with his feet, before making another close range save to deny Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The Republic of Ireland were starting to produce a fine performance in the second half, the Boys in Green were pushing on to create a clear chance at goal.

Callum Robinson coming off the bench, the forward making an appearance after some recent time on the sideline, he looked sharp running toward goal, as cIreland were starting to cause issues for the Serbian side.

After an intense few minutes of high pressure, the Irish side managed to get the equaliser, albeit in rather strange circumstances, crossing seemed to be Ireland’s main attempt at finding the target, and a dangerous cross by Callum Robinson on the right touch line, was poorly dealt with by Serbia, the ball fell to Mikinkovic-Savic who inadvertently struck his clearance off defender Nikola Milenkovic and into the back of the net.

Ireland
1Gavin Bazunu Goalkeeper
2Matt Doherty Defender
4Shane Duffy Defender
5John Egan Defender
6Josh Cullen 17 Midfielder
7Alan Browne 12 Midfielder 49'
9Adam Idah 19 Forward 30'
11James McClean Midfielder
13Jeff Hendrick 8 Midfielder
18Jamie McGrath 15 Midfielder
22Andrew Omobamidele Defender
16Caoimhin Kelleher Goalkeeper
23James Talbot Goalkeeper
3Ryan Manning Defender
8Conor Hourihane 13 Midfielder
10Troy Parrott Forward
12Callum Robinson 7 Forward
14Cyrus Christie Defender
15Daryl Horgan 18 Midfielder
19James Collins 9 Forward
20Harry Arter Midfielder
21Liam Scales Defender
17Jayson Molumby 6 Midfielder

Timeline

9. Adam Idah 30' 
8. Alan Browne 49' 
Alan Browne
Callum Robinson		58' 
Jamie McGrath
Daryl Horgan		66' 
Josh Cullen
Player		66' 
Josh Cullen
Jayson Molumby		66' 
Jeff Hendrick
Conor Hourihane		79' 
Adam Idah
James Collins		79' 
  • 90'

    Full Time at the Aviva Stadium, a late smash and grab own goal, sees the Boys In Green pick up a second point in Group A, a great performance tonight with plenty to develop going into the final games

  • 89'

    Jayson Molumby goes into the book for a heavy tackle

  • 87'

    WHAT HAS JUST HAPPENED, a cross into the box is poorly dealt with by Serbia and the ball is in the net after a clearance comes off the defender... WOW

  • 79'

    Another double sub for Ireland, James Collins and Conor Hourihane come on to replace Adam Idah and Jeff Hendrick

  • 66'

    Double sub for Ireland, Daryl Horgan for Jamie McGrath and Jayson Molumby for Josh Cullen

  • 59'

    Bazunu with another amazing save, this one denies Mitrovic

  • 58'

    First change for Ireland Callum Robinson replaces Alan Browne

  • 56'

    Another fine stop the Irish number 1, he makes another great save with his feet

  • 49'

    Alan Browne is carded for an elbow, he will now miss the next game in the group

  • 45'

    Half Time at the Aviva Stadium, Serbia 1-0 Ireland, the visitors looking much the better side and have a deserved lead, a few sparks from Ireland but they have struggled to hit the target

  • 30'

    Adam Idah picks up a yellow card for a high leg, as the forwards foot collides with a Serbian defenders head

  • 26'

    First shot on target for Ireland, as Jeff Hendrick hits the ball at the goalkeeper

  • 20'

    Goal for Serbia, Sergej Mikinkovic-Savic with a header from a corner, Bazunu gets a hand to it but cant keep it out

  • 15'

    Early intent by both sides, Ireland have failed to register a shot on goal, while Gavin Bazunu has dealt with everything hit at him

  • 4'

    Early Serbian chance but Gavin Bazunu saves well with his feet

  • A win would be Ireland's first home win in 6 games, but the chances of making Qatar in 2022, look to be all but over

  • Aleksandar Mitrovic is one half of the leading line for Serbia tonight, his two goals helped Serbia to a 3-2 win over Ireland in Belgrade, Dusan Tadic also deadly in attack, with Kostic and Milinkovic-Savic also with eyes for goal

  • A first start for Andrew Omobamidele, with the defender impressing lately, the 19 year old replacing the injured Dara O'Shea, Callum Robinson named on the bench as he returns from injury

  • A tough night at the Aviva, as Ireland welcome group toppers Serbia to the Aviva tonight, as Ireland will hope for a first win in the group, my name is Diarmuid Kearney and I will keep you updated tonight

Past Meetings
(Matchday 1)
3 - 2
Men's Senior
Rajko Mitic Stadium

Serbia v Republic of Ireland

Ground

Aviva Stadium
Aviva Stadium, Lansdowne Road, Pembroke West A ED, Dublin, Dublin 4, Leinster, D04 FP65, Ireland

Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.