Dreadful.
Without a shadow of a doubt that was one of the worst Irish performances in recent history.
The first half especially was dire, there is no other way to put it.
When it came out that Wes Hoolahan wouldn’t start there were eyebrows raised as to how Ireland would keep the ball, maybe Harry Arter would be able to do it but it was never the case.
It was just long ball after long ball after long ball with nothing going through the midfield. Poor Jon Walters and Shane Long had a thankless job.
Similar to the Wales game at home Ireland were passed off the pitch by players who, on paper, are no better than the boys in green.
But the 112th ranked side in the world bordered Barcelona 2009 territory, they should have won the game.
According to BBC Sport’s statistics, Ireland only had 26% possession, to a side ranked 83 places below them in the FIFA World rankings.
(Image: BBC Sport)
It’s unforgivable really, from the get go Ireland hoofed the ball up front with nobody in the midfield looking to get on the ball, James McClean tried but he’s a winger.
Glenn Whelan and Harry Arter were well below par and when you have genuine proven talent in Wes Hoolahan sitting on the bench it was ludicrous seeing Martin O’Neill leave him there and instead bring on a third winger in the form of Aiden McGeady.
Now Ireland’s attention turns to Serbia on Tuesday night, a match that is now a must win. After beating Moldova 4-0, Serbia now sit top of the group by two points.
It is still in Ireland’s hands, a win against the table toppers at the Aviva Stadium has Martin O’Neill’s side on top of the group but the final day clash with Wales means that it will be all to play for when they head to Cardiff.
