Luxembourg's bid for a winning start in their Euro 2016 qualification campaign was thwarted by a late Belarus goal as both sides played out a 1-1 draw in this evening's Group C qualifier at the Stade Josy Barthel, despite the visitors dominating proceedings.
The home side was under the cosh from the early stages, as two efforts by Stanislav Dragun were thwarted in the 22nd and 25th minute respectively.
The Red Lions resorted to body checks and strong tackles to keep their opposition at bay, with four of their players receiving yellow cards before the break.
However, Luc Holtz's side ended up taking the lead just three minutes before half time, as a Daniel da Mota throw into the area dropped to Lars Gerson.
The 24-year-old was able to swivel and volley in from five metres with a smart finish.
Belarus, eager to pull themselves back into the game, started strongly after the break, Sergei Krivets blasting an effort above the bar in the 47th minute.
The home side, who have been steadily improving over the last few years, then had a strong spell just before the hour courtesy of Stefano Bensi, who saw a shot skilfully saved.
It didn't take long for the visitors to apply the pressure again, however, with Igor Stasevich and Timofei Kalachev forcing blocks from the Luxembourg defence just after the hour.
Belarus eventually equalised in the 78th minute when Dragun sent a shot low into the bottom left corner, and could have won the game as they mounted a late rally that saw no fewer than four efforts on the Luxembourg goal in the last five minutes.
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