A good result, a poor performance.
Ireland came from behind to draw 2-2 with Serbia in their opening World Cup qualifier but it wasn’t the most heartwarming display.
The team opted for a 4-3-3 that served them well in France and it started like this:
Here's how the Boys in Green will line up this evening. Just over 30 minutes until kick-off! #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/AvvYhQoCxw
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) September 5, 2016
After going 1-0 to the good after three minutes, it was a defensive display and here’s how the players got on.
Darren Randolph 3
Flapped at a ball that rebounded into the air and it had to be cleared off the line. Made a good save in the first half but was lucky that it wasn’t put away at the second time of asking and he got fortunate again after the break with a dangerous parry right into a Serbain’s foot before an attempted catch in his chest bounced off him and Serbia hit the crossbar. Keiren Westwood won’t be too disheartened.
Seamus Coleman 4
Made a number of good interceptions in the first half but got sucked in to cover for John O’Shea’s lack of conviction and the hosts were gifted an empty net for the equaliser. Never offered much on the ball and wasn’t the leader we saw against Italy in Lille. Fell asleep and played everyone onside in the 85th minute.
Richard Keogh 5
Covered across the backline well and held up under relentless pressure but he was only trying to hold back the tide and, at times, it felt like he was trying to do it on his own.
John O’Shea 4
His challenge for Serbia’s equaliser was apologetic and he was very shaky thereafter.
Stephen Ward 6
Screwed over with a yellow card in the 20th minute for a good challenge. Didn’t do anything wrong and made some solid tackles and clearances. When your midfield is averaging a pass a minute, you know what kind of night it was for the full backs.
Jeff Hendrick 4
Super strike for the goal and defended well but needed more composure and control from one of our best ball players.
Glenn Whelan 3
So close to a ‘could not be rated’. Didn’t offer much defensively, certainly didn’t offer anything on the ball. Not sure why he even got 3.
Robbie Brady 5
Wasn’t the hero we know he can be but the first goal came from him refusing to lump the ball away and a dangerous free kick. Good cross for the equaliser too. Still needed more. We’re going to demand more from this man going forward.
James McClean 5
Ran and ran and threw himself around and tried to make things happen but the front three were cut adrift for the most part.
Shane Long 5
Isolated up front yet again. Given no service yet again. Ran his balls off yet again.
Jon Walters 4
Nowhere near his monstrous effect. Conceded the penalty but it should never have been a penalty so that’s irrelevant. Wasn’t the outlet we rely on.
Subs
Stephen Quinn 6
Provided a bit more energy and zip. Changed the momentum when he came on.
Daryl Murphy 7
Hero.
#PostYourMurphyDoubts pic.twitter.com/KxgZzoorGv
— Conán Doherty (@ConanDoherty) September 5, 2016
Ciaran Clark – Could not be rated.
Wasn’t on long enough.
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