Ogbene upbeat despite a sting from Spertsyan
THIS was no smash and grab by Armenia as they ended the Republic of Ireland’s eight-game unbeaten run in clinical fashion.
Eduard Spertsyan lashed home a sensational long-range shot off the post which left Caoimhin Kelleher sprawling in the 55th minute.
They then retreated into a well-drilled defensive shape to leave Stephen Kenny’s side frustrated and, worryingly, incapable of mustering a reaction to even earn a valuable point on the road.
It is a torrid beginning to a Nations League campaign which the Boys in Green boss (below) is already on record as saying he is aiming to win with a group of players he has been moulding for the last 18 months.
Now into the third edition of the Nations League since it was first established, Ireland still haven’t won a game and, in truth, after missing a couple of glaring chances in the first half they never looked capable of breaking that duck.
Instead, the hosts only grew in confidence, led by the exceptional Varazdat Haroyan at the heart of the defence, and were worthy winners.
Chiedozie Ogbene missed Ireland’s best chance from Josh Cullen’s dangerous free-kick just before the interval when his header in the centre of the goal sailed over.
The Rotherham
Armenia 1 Rep of Ire 0 David Sneyd
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United man was a constant threat and he teed up Callum Robinson whose effort was cleared off the line.
“Football taught us a big lesson here,” Ogbene said.
“It can be a cruel game. I feel like we created a lot of chances. They had one good chance and they took it well. At this level this is what it takes.
“I felt like we weren’t clinical enough with the chances we got.”
Reflecting on his own chance to break the deadlock, Ogbene held his hands up but insists the players still believe they are capable of topping a group that includes Scotland and Ukraine – both of whom Ireland face over the next week.
“I was very disappointed in myself not to hit the target, especially being that close,” he said.
“As I said, you have to put those chances away.
“I felt like we had enough chances to get something out of the game. We have to learn from this.”