Ryan Johansson of Republic of Ireland during the U21 international friendly match against SwitzerlandIreland's defensive frailties were badly exposed by a superior Swiss outfit as Jim Crawford's U-21 side began their three-game friendly tournament in Spain with a 2-0 defeat. Switzerland were in front after only 14 minutes as a lack of concentration at the back allowed Leonidas Stergiou time to score past Maher. The Bray Wanderers keeper did well to keep it at 1-0 with a save on 32 minutes. Six minutes into the second half the Swiss were 2-0 up, Mark McGuinness left behind as Gabriel Bares scored from close range. IRELAND: Maher (Bray W), McGuinness (Arsenal), McEntee (Newcastle), Richards (Wolves), Coventry (West Ham), Watson (Derby), Johansson (Sevilla), Ebosele (Derby), Grant (Rochdale), Wright (Aston V), Kayode (Carlisle).

Source: Irish Independent May 30, 2021 12:11 UTC