Where did we get to on that 33rd team campaign?
The World Cup dream is over. Denmark are through to Russia with four goals to spare.
5-1 was the final score in Dublin – the Irish have their tails between their legs.
Darren Randolph 6
Randolph the Great produced some vital stops early on and then from a very dangerous breakaway with Christian Eriksen at the end of it in the second half when it would’ve been game over – before we realised game over was coming anyway. Such was Denmark’s utter dominance and Randolph’s lack of blame for either goal that we can concede five and he still gets six out of 10.
Cyrus Christie 4
Got sucked in off the post towards the middle of the net for Denmark’s first goal and was very unsettled early on. Delicious cross for massive Murphy chance and got forward well, especially in the second half.
Shane Duffy 5
It could’ve been a night when his name joined the legends – Houghton, O’Leary, Keane, Brady. Put Ireland a goal ahead and one foot in Russia – or so it felt at the time. It turns out we didn’t even have a toe on the steps to the plane. Had a few wayward passes and some heavy touches but some say he hasn’t lost a header in 42 years.
6 foot 4, 13 stone of prized Derry beef!
Shane Duffy could join the immortals tonight. 1-0 Ireland#COYBIG
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) November 14, 2017
Ciaran Clark 4
Got sucked too tight to players going deep and was playing far too safe with the ball, always kicking for touch when it wasn’t necessary. Wasn’t at fault for the goals though.
Stephen Ward 3
It’s a shame because he really has been very consistent since the Euros. Lost the ball on the wing for Denmark’s second goal. Lost the ball in the box for Denmark’s fourth.
Harry Arter 4
Nutmegged for the Danes first goal and didn’t react cynically when an obstruction probably wouldn’t have been punished in that area and action was needed regardless. Broke up play well in general and was tidy but got hauled off after 45 minutes.
David Meyler 4
Played wider than he might have liked on the right of a narrow midfield four and didn’t get impose himself on the game like he has done. Another victim of the early shower.
Jeff Hendrick 4
Didn’t offer much when we were in possession and obviously the team didn’t offer much as a defensive unit.
Robbie Brady 5
Set piece deliveries weren’t good again. Actually did better in a defensive role than he did on the ball.
James McClean 5
Started up top and it looked like the perfect position as he closed down three men at a time. Full of energy and just missed at the end of a great move but frustrating night and conceded the penalty.
Daryl Murphy 4
Missed a big chance from a great Christie ball that would have put us two up but, outside of that, he was feeding off scraps and refusing to eat them most of the time.
Subs
Wes Hoolahan 6
He might be 36 by the time the next competitive fixture comes around but he’s still the best player in the squad.
Aiden McGeady 3
Whipped in a lot of ball. None of them beat the first man.
Shane Long 4
Chipped over a big chance when he was put through by Hoolahan.
