Iceland inflict narrow defeat on Republic of Ireland in Dublin

Hordur Bjorgvin Magnusson scored the only goal of the game as Republic of Ireland fell to a 1-0 defeat to Iceland in Dublin this evening.

The Bristol City defender picked out the bottom corner from a free kick 21 minutes in to earn the win against an experimental home side containing a number of full debutants.

Ireland's box came under bombardment constantly, with Kristjan Finnbogason almost getting on the end of an Aron Gunnarsson long throw, while John Egan - one of those to make their senior bow in Dublin - had to be treated after taking an elbow to the face.

It was Egan who was at fault for giving away the set piece from which Magnusson superbly converted, being drawn into a needless challenge on the edge of the area.

Finnbogason came close with another opening to provide a real warning to Ireland, who were struggling to find their intensity levels on the back of a gruelling display against Wales last Friday.

The Boys in Green mustered a few decent openings in wide positions for Kevin Doyle to get on the end of, but the Colorado Rapids striker was unable to convert any of them.

Home boss Martin O'Neill turned to the pace of Shane Long in the final quarter of the match, but there was to be no way through a stubborn Iceland defence, as the Irish fell to a first defeat since the European Championship finals.