![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.anfocal.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/download-2021-03-28T022014.857.jpg\")
The midfield of Alan Browne, Jason Knight and Josh Cullen was lively for the first quarter too, offering passing options and making space for others.<\/p>\n
The side conjured up their best chance 17 minutes into the game when both the midfield and the left-sided players worked together to lay it on a plate for Luton’s James Collins who couldn’t find a way past Luxembourg’s goalkeeper Moris.<\/p>\n
After this chance, it began to feel like the side were not going to score as possession grew and grew but the quality of chances waned.<\/p>\n
Luxembourg offered signs of dangers that were interspersed between Ireland’s time on the ball with midfielder Vincent Thill and Dynamo Kyiv star Gerson Rodrigues looking to test 19-year-old debutant Gavin Bazunu and his defence.<\/p>\n
The half ended without a goal and anxiety grew as the second drew closer.<\/p>\n
Wing-back Matt Doherty was replaced by Robbie Brady after pulling his hamstring earlier on in the game.<\/p>\n
Luxembourg added more to their game in the second half with Vincent Thill giving the defenders more problems.<\/p>\n
James McClean came on in place of Newcastle’s Ciaran Clark in an attempt to relight the attacking flame that had gone out.<\/p>\n
A few chances were created but not taken and Luxembourg continued to look the more likely of the two sides to score.<\/p>\n A James Collins bicycle kick went astray and a Robbie Brady cross failed to find a green shirt, making a goal feel beyond the boys in green.<\/p>\n Disaster struck late on Gerson Rodrigues’ instinctive strike left S\u00e9amus Coleman and co. in disarray.<\/p>\n Four additional minutes were granted but Ireland failed to take advantage of them, creating no chances of note bar a late Shane Long attempt that was saved.<\/p>\n Kenny’s men slumped to 10 without a win under him and 11 as a team with the already slim chances of World Cup qualification looking non-existent.<\/p>\n Luxembourg can take in their performance as they were the better side overall but it is worrying for the nation that a side with some Premier League players in it was outplayed by the 98th ranked national side in the world.<\/p>\n It may leave the FAI at a crossroads on what to secure a positive future for the future of Irish football.<\/p>\n Qatar is up next for the Republic of Ireland and, with the rank of 58th best side in the world, they may be a handful for a national team that seems to be in freefall.<\/p>\n An Focal MOTM:\u00a0<\/strong>Gerson Rodrigues (Luxembourg)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.anfocal.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/download-2021-03-28T022029.944.jpg\")