'They had the freedom to play their own game': Better performance, but ultimately defeat for Ireland

Matt Doherty, left, and Alan Browne of Republic of Ireland leave the pitch after the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying group A match defeat to  Serbia in Belgrade. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Alan Browne admitted Ireland are better suited to the formation used in tonight's opening World Cup qualifier against Serbia, which ultimately ended in a 3-2 defeat.

Stephen Kenny waited until his ninth game to embrace the modern trend of deploying three centre-backs, thereby giving license to the wing-backs to raid from deep.