A new look Ireland Under-21s team went down 2-0 to Sweden in the first of a double header between the sides in Marbella.

Two second-half goals from the Swedes were enough to condemn Ireland to defeat despite creating a number of chances against the more experienced Swedish team.

Sweden started the brighter of the sides with two big chances in the first 10 minutes. Firstly, Gottfrid Rapp hit the foot of the post then Victor Andersson hit the side netting with a sharp strike.

Rocco Vata was the main attacking outlet for Ireland and he stung the fingertips of Viktor Andersson in the Swedish goal after working an effort for himself.

Noah Jauny produced a fine save when Malcolm Jeng was allowed a free header from a corner as Sweden pushed for the opener.

Yet, Ireland remained a threat and Glory Nzingo had an excellent opportunity when he was allowed to drift inside the Swedish penalty area and get a shot off on Andersson, who saved well.

Sweden had another great chance in the 33rd minute when a misplaced pass in the Irish midfield saw Sweden break with five on two. Lukas Bjorkland struck at goal but Jauny produced another great stop.

Mark O’Mahony’s tireless work almost paid off when he chased down a lost cause but the short ball back to the goalkeeper fell into O’Mahony’s path and with him with one-on-one on goal Andersson came out on top with the save again.

The breakthrough would come two minutes into the second half. Hampus Skoglund was allowed space to drive at goal and his effort took a wicked deflection to take it past Jauny.

Ireland began to take much more control of the game. Vata had a sighter from a long range free-kick and substitute Harry Vaughan almost got on a through ball when closing in on goal.

Tommy Lonergan had a great opportunity when he was allowed to cut inside and fire at goal but again Andersson saved comfortably.

And it was a few minutes later that Sweden doubled the lead. Jonas Rohul was allowed to dribble at goal and when his effort squeezed through to Richie Omorowa, he somehow found the net from a tight angle to end any Ireland fight back.

The teams return to the same venue on Sunday afternoon for game two of the international window.

Speaking after the game Head Coach Jim Crawford said: “It was a good game to test us. We knew they would be a physically strong side, with technical ability and plenty of movement and energy. They’ve had a few games together a number of players who played competitively from the last Under-21s campaign.

“It was hugely beneficial for us because this is where you learn about character which players can take on information in such a short space of time. The reality is we only had two training session.

“Now we’ve got to go again on Sunday. There’s some lads who played 90 minutes tonight we may need again on Sunday but that’s the nature of international football.

“We created plenty of chances and we had some bright moments. There a were a number of players making their debuts which was a positive. Every player that was involved tonight didn’t do themselves any harm in being involved in the future.”

Sweden: Viktor Andersson, Skoglund, Makolli, Jeng, Rouhl (C), Odefalk, Victor Andersson, Bjorklund, Rapp, Rafferty, Sonko. Substitutes: Bishesari, Amoran, Skogmar, Hodzic, Karlsson, Dahbo, Agbonifo, Omorowa, Ljungberg, Boudri, Sidklev.

Ireland: Jauny, O’Brien, Abankwah (C), Grehan, Murphy (Slater, 78’), McJannet (Mullins, 65’) , O’Brien-Whitmarsh (Lipsuic, 78’), Nzingo, Moore (Vaughan, 62), Vata (Hadiki, 78’), O’Mahony (Lonergan, 65’)

International Friendly Fixture/Result
Thursday, November 14 |  Sweden 2-0 Ireland
Sunday, November 17 | Ireland v Sweden, Marbella Football Center, Marbella, Spain, KO 2pm (Irish time) / 3pm (Local time)