Goals from Martin Skrtel and Marek Hamsik condemned Northern Ireland to a 2-1 defeat against Slovakia in their opening World Cup qualifier.
Skrtel opened the scoring in the 46th minute and Hamsik extended the Slovakian lead with 20 minutes to go.
Northern Ireland pulled a goal back with eight minutes to go to set up a rousing finale. Jan Durica turned the ball into his own net but Nigel Worthington's men were left with nothing to show for their efforts.
This is the the fourth time in a row they have started with a loss, although it was a close-run thing and only a late save from Stefan Senecky prevented Warren Feeney from snatching a dramatic point for the visitors.
Worthington said: "It is a game we should have got something from.
"But through ill-discipline on set plays we have paid a heavy price and lost the game. That is the frustrating thing. To concede two goals like we did is very disappointing.
"In the first half Slovakia had a lot of possession but did not really hurt us. Then we go a goal down straight after half-time.
"That put us on the back foot as we never really got started in the second half.
"In the last 15 to 20 minutes we showed more what we are about but the overall feeling is one of frustration - but we just have to get on with it."
New Slovakia coach Vladimir Weiss said: "It was an excellent performance - we played from the heart and gave 100%.
"I knew at half-time we had to change things and we pushed more men forward. We showed great spirit to win the match."
