Matt Holland's Irish side fell to a 4-2 defeat against Russia in Moscow in their first European Championships qualifier.

The Town skipper doesn't appear to have had the best of afternoons after being dispossessed in midfield in the lead-up to the second Russian goal.

The Republic were always on the back foot after conceding a goal in the fourth minute, a Shay Given error allowing Sergei Semak to score.

Vladimir Beschastnykh scored the second Russian goal after Holland's error on 26, before the Irish pulled one back through Gary Doherty on 68.

However, the Russians were two in front again within a minute through Alexander Kerzhakov.

Clinton Morrison pulled another one back for Ireland in the 75th minute to give Mick McCarthy's side hope, however a Phil Babb own goal towards the end wrapped it up for the home side.

Photo: Action Images

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