David Sneyd: Time is needed, but this won't quite provide breathing space

For 68 minutes of this opening World Cup qualifier, Stephen Kenny’s side operated perfectly within the parameters he had established. All it took for things to come crashing down around them was a slight misstep

Republic of Ireland's James Collins appears dejected after the loss in Belgrade. Picture: Novak Djurovic

If there was a sense of catharsis that came with Alan Browne’s superb opening goal, feelings of pleasure at how the Republic of Ireland were acquitting themselves quickly dissipated as Serbia’s superior class told.

For 68 minutes of this opening World Cup qualifier, Stephen Kenny’s side operated perfectly within the parameters he had established.