Republic of Ireland Falls to Greece, Faces Relegation Battle

Republic of Ireland endured a third defeat in four matches under manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, losing 2-0 to Greece in their Nations League Group B2 clash in Athens. Greece’s Tasos Bakasetas broke the deadlock early in the second half and Petros Mantalos capitalized on a late mistake by Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher to secure the victory. Ireland fresh off a dramatic 2-1 win over Finland on Thursday started brightly but failed to capitalize on early chances.

Evan Ferguson fired wide after a defensive mix-up from Greece but the visitors soon found themselves on the back foot. Greece playing with intensity in their first home match since the death of defender George Baldock dominated the first half but were repeatedly denied by Kelleher, who made several key saves. Despite Kelleher’s heroics, Greece took the lead three minutes after the interval when Bakasetas’ shot deflected off Liam Scales and found the back of the net.

The Republic of Ireland improved following the introductions of Festy Ebosele and Jack Taylor with Taylor coming close to scoring on his debut but their efforts were in vain. A late mistake from Kelleher sealed the game when his poor pass went straight to Mantalos, who rounded the keeper to score Greece’s second goal. The result leaves Ireland in third place, facing a potential relegation play-off with two games remaining.

For Greece, the win strengthens their push for promotion to the top tier of the Nations League. At full-time, the Greek players held up a shirt bearing Baldock’s name in a touching tribute.