Republic of Ireland 0-1 Iceland: Hodor Magnusson ends Ireland's home run

Icelnad's Hordur Magnusson (R) celebrates scoring the opening goal against Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland suffered their first home defeat in three years as Iceland reinforced their status as a growing European __football force with a 1-0 victory in Dublin on Tuesday.

This friendly encounter was a chance for some of Martin O'Neill's fringe players to make a statement but they lacked imagination and creativity in forward areas, registering just one shot on target as Hodor Magnusson's free-kick (21) proved the difference between the teams.

Iceland, who famously knocked out England at Euro 2016, are well positioned to make a charge for World Cup qualification from Group I and defended their box heroically at times to deny an in-form Irish side, who were unbeaten since the Euros.

O'Neill wanted to use this game to experiment with certain members of his squad, and John Egan and Conor Hourihane were handed senior debuts.

Magnusson (R) of Iceland celebrates

Robbie Brady returned from suspension to captain a team in which only Jeff Hendrick and James McClean survived from Friday's night's 0-0 World Cup Qualifier draw with Wales.

Iceland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson also used the depth of his squad, making seven changes from Friday night's 2-1 win in Kosovo with Swansea's Gylfi Sigurdsson one of those to make way.

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Magnusson must have been taking tips from dead-ball king Sigurdsson in the week as he gave his team the lead on 21 minutes with the first real effort on goal in what was a slow burner of an international friendly.

Egan fouled Jon Dadi Bodvarsson from 22 yards out, which presented Magnusson with a chance to test Ashley Westwood. The Bristol City full-back didn't get much height on his effort but he found a gap between Hourihane and Hendrick in the Irish wall and curled a well-judged effort into the bottom corner.

Magnusson of Iceland scores the opening goal

O'Neill's side failed to find any rhythm in their approach play with the lone striker Kevin Doyle starved of any real service.

Their intensity improved after the break with Brady pushing higher up the pitch from left-back and Iceland were thankful to some brave headed clearances to deny the hosts a clear-cut chance from a couple of Brady crosses.

Daryl Horgan was handed his international debut on 65 minutes and did provide a little bit of spark. His cross on 73 minutes looked to have goalkeeper Ogmundur Kristinsson in trouble but the ball sailed to safety.

Ireland pressed for a late equaliser and although Alex Pearce did flick a late effort straight at Kristinsson - their only shot on target - the European Championship quarter-finalists saw the game out comfortably.

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Everton's Seamus Coleman suffers broken leg during Republic of Ireland's draw against Wales

Seamus Coleman was stretchered off during Ireland's goalless draw with Wales

Seamus Coleman has suffered a broken leg after a heavy tackle from Neil Taylor during Republic of Ireland's 0-0 draw against Wales on Friday.

The Everton right-back looked in real distress, with physios attempting to hold his lower-right leg in place, as he was moved onto a stretcher and rushed off the field in the 68th minute.

Niall Quinn and Dean Saunders discuss Seamus Coleman’s horrific injury in Republic of Ireland’s 0-0 draw with Wales

Wales left-back Taylor was shown a straight red card for the tackle and Ireland boss Martin O'Neill had his head in his hands as his skipper received oxygen and was sent straight to hospital.

O'Neill told Sky Sports: "It's a bad break. Seamus is a fantastic player and character - it's a major blow for the lad, for his club and for us.

Neil Taylor was sent-off for the challenge on Seamus Coleman

"Apparently it wasn't the best challenge in the world - I haven't seen it back - but naturally disappointed. He's gone to hospital and I think it's broken.

"I saw Seamus' reaction - he was holding his leg up and it didn't look good."

Martin O'Neill says it's a major blow losing Seamus Coleman to such a serious injury and says his health is the most important thing

Wales boss Chris Coleman said: "First and foremost I think the most important thing is Seamus Coleman. We're told that it's not so good, which we are sorry for.

"Neil Taylor is not really that type of player but, if he's got it wrong... I've not seen it again. He's in the dressing room and he's quiet and despondent.

Chris Coleman defended Neil Taylor's challenge on Seamus Coleman after it resulted in a suspected leg break

"It's a tough one for Seamus. Thoughts are with him first and foremost. We hope and pray it's not such a bad one."

Wales' Gareth Bale said: "We never wish that on any fellow professional. Obviously we don't know how bad it is but we wish him a speedy recovery."

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Also See:

• Rep of Ire held by Wales
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Jermain Defoe targeting 2018 World Cup after dream England recall

Jermain Defoe insists he always believed he could earn a recall to the England squad, despite playing away from the Premier League

Jermain Defoe has his heart set on the 2018 World Cup after his dream of an England recall was realised.

Defoe, 34, last played for his country in 2013 but was last week named in Gareth Southgate's squad for the upcoming games against Germany and Lithuania.

And the the Sunderland striker is already targeting a third major finals appearance in 15 months' time having missed out on the World Cup in 2014 and last summer's European Championship.

He said: "There were times where I did think 'maybe I'm not going to get in', and I came out and said it, but it didn't stop me getting my head down, working hard and hoping one day I'd get an opportunity to represent my country again.

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"I was getting a lot of stick from the lads at the training ground saying 'why have you still got the England flag on your boots?' I was just hoping one day I'd get an opportunity and it's come, so I'm delighted.

"I've always known how important it is to play for England from day one. When you've had that experience of going to major tournaments, it's something that you just crave.

James Ward-Prowse could win his first England senior cap on Wednesday against Germany if he's selected by Gareth Southgate

"Just going to a major tournament, travelling, getting to the hotels, playing the games - it's something you've always wanted to do from being a kid, growing up watching the great players over the years. Playing in the major tournaments, going out and emulating the players you've seen on TV.

"Being lucky enough to have experienced it, you just want it more and more. So for me, if I do get an opportunity to go to another major tournament, it'd be a dream."

Defoe was overlooked for the 2014 World Cup having joined Major League Soccer side Toronto, and he knows his chances of going to Russia next year will diminish if Sunderland are no longer in the Premier League.

Defoe in action against Republic of Ireland in 2013

"You have to be realistic," he said. "To get into any squad is on merit and you've got to be playing at the top level, it's as simple as that.

"When I went to Toronto I missed out. When I got the phone call it was hard news to accept, but at the same time you have to be realistic and the boys I was competing against were playing in the Premier League and Europe.

"I'd say I probably need to be playing in the Premier League, but we'll see what happens."

England play Germany in a Dortmund friendly on Wednesday before hosting Lithuania in a World Cup Qualifier four days later.

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• Following in Rooney's footsteps
• England to debut new kit
• England stats
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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger makes decision on his future: Duo’s futures at risk Arsenal fans display banners calling for Arsene Wenger's exit Mesut Ozil snapped in deep discussion with Arsene Wenger

The French boss is out of contract at the end of the campaign and Arsenal’s fans are divided over his future.

But according to the Mirror, Wenger will risk incurring the wrath of the fans who want him to go by signing a new deal with the club.

Express Sport understands Wenger is ready to sign a new one-year deal.

Arsene Wenger is set to sign a new deal with Arsenal

Arsenal fans display banners calling for Arsene Wenger's exit

Sat, March 18, 2017

Arsenal fans raised banners calling for Arsene Wenger's exit after the Gunners lost 3-1 to West Bromwich Albion

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Arsenal fans raised banners calling for Arsene Wenger's exit at The Hawthorns

Arsenal are far from guaranteed Champions League __football as they currently sit six points off the top four in the league, but that is unlikely to have an impact on Wenger’s decision.

The Mirror claim Wenger’s determination to remain in charge could have a huge impact on the futures of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.

Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil are both out of contract at the end of next season

Mesut Ozil snapped in deep discussion with Arsene Wenger

Fri, March 17, 2017

Mesut Ozil was snapped in deep discussion with Arsene Wenger during training on Friday

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Mesut Ozil was pictured in deep discussion with manager Arsene Wenger today

Both players only have 15 months remaining on their current contracts and the report suggests the representatives of both have got together to demand contracts of at least £300,000 a week.

They are refusing to back down in their demands and with the club yet to meet their expectations they are likely to leave in the summer.