The Republic of Ireland 0 Wales 1.
Here’s how we rated the Ireland players:
Darren Randolph – 6
On his 32nd cap, Randolph was rarely tested. When he was, for Harry Wilson’s free kick, he could do little about it. His distribution could have been better though.
Richard Keogh – 6.5
Keogh was solid against Denmark and had another decent performance on Tuesday night. He read the game well, making his fair share of clearances and interceptions. His passing has also improved since his last run in the team. Arguably Ireland’s best player in the game, which isn’t saying a lot, unfortunately.
Shane Duffy – 5.5
Duffy kept Tyler Roberts, Wales’ young centre-forward, quiet for most of the game – until gaps started to appear when Ireland were chasing a goal.
He was something of a threat from set-pieces and had one of Ireland’s efforts on target. His shot from 25 yards just before full-time summed up the team’s desperate attempt to get an equaliser.
Kevin Long – 6
The Burnley defender was arguably Ireland’s best player against Denmark. There wasn’t much competition for that accolade, but Long still played well and was defensively sound.
He was booked for a needless foul early in the first half against Wales tonight but was otherwise solid.
Long often pushed across and covered space for McClean, who was more comfortable going forward in his wing-back role.
Matt Doherty – 5.5
Doherty was rarely involved against Denmark. The team didn’t play to his strengths at all though. Even when Doherty made a run, he was rarely found or even considered for a pass. The play was also often focused down on Ireland’s left-hand side.
Against Wales, something similar happened.
When Doherty was brought into play in the first half, he helped win his team a corner and set up another chance by linking up with Hendrick. However, Ireland rarely switched play to his side, choosing either to go long or to McClean on the left. Only Randolph (15) had fewer touches than Doherty (16) in the first half.
He was more involved after the break and got forward at every chance, without creating much in the final third.
James McClean – 4.5
On his 61st cap, the Stoke City winger started at wing-back and was involved throughout.
He was his usual energetic and aggressive self. But he was also often out of position, loose with his passing and his first touch left a lot to be desired. As always, you couldn’t criticise his effort, but it wasn’t his best display in an Irish shirt.
Cyrus Christie – 5
Back in midfield, the Fulham full-back was energetic and eager and played better than during his “man of the match” performance against Denmark.
He still missed Ireland’s best chance of the game – an open goal – and was often dispossessed trying to dribble through the middle of the pitch. Christie didn’t look comfortable in possession and almost always went backwards with his passes.
He’s not a midfielder though, so none of this should be a surprise. But it’s difficult to be too harsh on a footballer playing in a role so clearly foreign to them.
Harry Arter – 5
Arter was Ireland’s deepest midfielder on the night and had played okay until he gave away the foul that led to Harry Wilson’s goal. It was a senseless challenge just outside of Ireland’s penalty area and the team were punished by a stunning free-kick.
Jeff Hendrick – 5
Hendrick played in two positions against Denmark. He played off Shane Long up front and then dropped into the deepest midfield position when Arter went off. Against Wales, he was back in a more familiar role.
The Burnley midfielder started brightly, snapping into tackles and showing for passes in midfield, but unfortunately, he faded from the game.
He had one effort on goal in the second half and did well to create space for himself in the penalty area, but Hendrick shot was straight at Hennessey.
Callum Robinson – 6
Robinson was bright when he came on as a substitute on Saturday night against Denmark and he was arguably Ireland’s best player in the first half against Wales – in the opening 20 minutes anyway.
The Preston forward is a tidy player. He was comfortable in possession and tried to link up play. He was taken off after Wales’ goal for Sean Maguire but certainly didn’t disgrace himself.
Aiden O’Brien – 5
The Millwall winger started up front, earning his second Ireland cap, and had a tough game. O’Brien was forced to battle with Ashley Williams when the ball came up to him, but the Welsh centre-half was too strong for him.
O’Brien helped create Ireland’s best chance of the game, which Christie missed, by pressing the Welsh defence and pushing them back. But was otherwise on the edge of the game and he was substituted for Shane Long.
Substitutes
Shane Long – 5
The Southampton forward came on for the final 35 minutes and struggled to make an impact. He hasn’t scored for Ireland in two years and his long wait for a goal goes on.
Sean Maguire – 5
The Preston forward, who has only recently returned from injury, came on for the final half an hour but wasn’t really involved.
Scott Hogan – N/A
Hogan has yet to play a minute of action for Aston Villa this season. He came on for the final 15 minutes against Wales and didn’t really have any impact.
At that point though, Ireland were a rabble and it was difficult to make sense of what formation they were even supposed to be playing.
