A goal in each half sees Ireland U21s lose to experienced Swiss

Despite Ireland reacting well to Leonidas Stergiou’s 12th-minute opener, they were unable to capitalise and duly got punished on the break

Alex Gilbert of Republic of Ireland during the U21 international friendly match between Switzerland and Republic of Ireland at Dama de Noche Football Centre in Marbella, Spain. Picture :Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

U21 friendly: Republic of Ireland U21 0 Switzerland U21 2 

Switzerland's experience told as they brushed aside Ireland’s U21s despite some good spells by Jim Crawford’s side during today's first of three friendlies in Spain.