Republic of Ireland Under-21s boss Stephen Kenny was left frustrated by a "controversial" penalty decision that cost his side dear in Iceland on Tuesday evening.
Lee O'Connor was adjudged to have handled the ball after Alex Hauksson's shot struck his arm in the 29th minute. Svein Aron Gudjohnson, son of former Chelsea striker Eidur, slotted home the spot-kick and Iceland held out as the Irish suffered their first defeat of the Euro 2021 qualification campaign.
Afterwards, Kenny admitted it was tough to take.
"I think it was a very, very harsh penalty given against Lee O’Connor," he told FAI TV.
"It was quite a controversial decision really and that swung the game.
"It was an unusual game. There was a bit of a wind tunnel really. The game itself was very wind affected, it was blowing across the pitch and made the first 20, 25 minutes very difficult.
"We probably didn’t adapt as well as we could have early in the game but in the second half we got control of it and dominated.
"But because the penalty had been scored they were able to get 11 men in their own half. They're obviously a very tall team and were difficult to break down. We had chances, three or four really good chances, and we didn't capitalise. It's a very disappointing defeat."
Ireland are still top of Group A with three wins, one draw and a defeat, though Iceland have played a game less and Italy have two games in hand. Sweden are also likely to be in the mix, with Kenny expecting lots of twists and turns over the course of the next few months.
"Iceland at home a difficult proposition," he added. "The venue where they play is open, wind,y but we have to accept defeat. There's nothing we can do. We had chances with Michael Obafemi, Adam Idah and Dara O'Shea... but we have to accept it. The players are hurting now.
"It's a very open group. We’ve beaten Sweden away and Sweden have beaten Iceland. Now Iceland have beaten us. Italy have to go away to all of these teams.
"We’re still in a good position. We'll dust ourselves down. We have a big 10 days in November when we go to Armenia and then Sweden come to us. We have to get ourselves ready and put that behind us."
