'Really disappointed' Smallbone laments Greek opener

Ireland's Robbie Brady, Will Smallbone, Nathan Collins and Evan Ferguson post-match. Pic: James Crombie/Inpho

For the first time, the Republic of Ireland have lost four home competitive games in a row.

Just like the Euro qualifiers last year at the same venue, Greece left the Aviva Stadium with a 2-0 win – this time in the UEFA Nations League.

With less than 38,000 in attendance, Fotis Ioannidis' early strike - yet again from outside the box - just after the interval was added to by Christos Tzolis late on to secure all three League B - Group B points.

“It’s a really disappointing result,” remarked Will Smallbone who was selected as the Irish man of the match.

“We’ve faced Greece a few times now. We knew what to expect coming onto the game. I think we had a really positive first half. 

"It’s so disappointing to come out in the second half and concede in the way we did. I felt we had a few chances to get back into the game.” 

Yet, the Southampton player accepted there is still much room for improvement for the Irish side.

"We know ourselves that we need to be better. We've only been with the manager (Heimir Hallgrimsson) a week. We'll be back shortly in October for the (away) games with Finland and Greece. We'll give it our all.” 

On the vital first goal by the Greeks, the midfielder said: “It was a very good finish by Ioannidis. But from our point of view, we need to be getting out to the ball quicker to stop shots. We've conceded a few like that over the past year or so. It’s similar chances being given away. 100% it’s something we have to stop.” 

Smallbone also felt the change in formation from the England loss helped the home team.

“Playing with four at the back made us more attacking. Certainly, for myself, it helped bring the best out of us. In the first half, we definitely created a lot more chances. We were a lot more on the front foot. 

"It’s been just a week’s work with the manager. Hopefully, it’s a sign of what we can do going forward. But we want to start winning games. That’s the bottom line.”