It started badly and didn't get much better from thereon in.
The first competitive match for Ireland since the 5-1 2018 World Cup playoff loss to Denmark ended in ignominy as Martin O'Neill's side went down 4-1 at the hands of Wales in Cardiff.
The Boys in Green were 1-0 down within six minutes of the UEFA Nations League group opener as Tom Lawrence was picked out by a through ball and finished at Darren Randolph's near post:
Commentary of the Lawrence goal - Breen is not happy... pic.twitter.com/ZcEfuipGsB
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) September 6, 2018
It got worse. Real Madrid's Gareth Bale has been in great form for his club and took that form into this game for Wales. Collecting a long pass down the channel, he cut inside and majestically curled in the Welsh second on 18 minutes:
2-0 to Wales - Bale magic...! pic.twitter.com/HLSkWoBU5G
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) September 6, 2018
Wales had time to score a third well before half time as Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey also found the bottom corner with a shot.
3-0 to Wales, and it's not looking pretty. Ampadu robs Walters, and then Ramsey does the rest...
Commentary this evening brought in association with @BoyleSports pic.twitter.com/q1LJrgYpFO
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) September 6, 2018
After a poor first half, Wales added even further to Ireland's misery as Connor Roberts lashed in from the edge of the box to make it 4-0.
GOAL! Wales 4-0 Ireland
If we thought there'd be respite in the second half, we've been mistaken.
Connor Roberts makes it 4-0 as he fires in from the edge of the box#COYBIG #WALIRL #NationsLeague
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) September 6, 2018
A consolation for O'Neill's side did come 10 minutes after the break when Shaun Williams was through on goal and finished to leave the scores at 4-1.
