Sure we would’ve taken it beforehand.
Ireland come away from Bosnia with an away goal after a 1-1 draw in Zenica.
A brilliant Robbie Brady finish was about all we saw of a fog-covered second half but Edin Dzeko restored the equilibrium and it’s all to play for in Dublin on Monday night.
Here are the ratings. Apologies if we mist anything. And sorry for that joke.
Darren Randolph 7
Commanding, alert and produced a couple of solid saves, if unspectacular. Marshaled his back four brilliantly. Caught slightly out of position for Dzeko’s goal though.
Seamus Coleman 7
During a nervy start for the visitors, he was the only man trying to get forward and make something happen. Made two crucial interceptions in the box.
Richard Keogh 8
Is it not about time to realise that he has earned the jersey? Only seems to be in the team when there’s injuries or suspensions but always acquits himself brilliantly. Showed early on that he had too much pace for Dzeko and was a leader in an otherwise leaderless team.
Ciaran Clark 8
Typical crunching tackle in the first half and looked really solid throughout.
Stephen Ward 5
Easy to see that he hasn’t been playing every week.
Jeff Hendrick 6
Didn’t get up to too much. Might’ve came into it more after the break but we can’t be sure, we could see nothing.
James McCarthy 6
Back to the usual alright performances alongside Glenn Whelan. Seems to thrive without him. But he had him tonight.
Glenn Whelan 5
He was pinging the ball around with effortless class. Oozing quality. Putting it exactly where he wanted to. The only shame was that he was doing that like a seasoned out-half, playing the wrong sport and frustratingly kicking the ball out over the sideline.
Robbie Brady 8
What a goal. We think. The fog ruined the buzz of what was a tidy finish as he cut inside from the right and gave Ireland a crucial away goal. Tireless work too.
Wes Hoolahan 6
Wasn’t happening for him. Lost possession in isolated areas in the first period but was a victim of the team dropping so deep, often picking up the ball with his back to goal. Hounded the Bosnia backline and was still obviously beautifully tidy at times but not his usual genius effect.
Daryl Murphy 6
Led the line like a trooper all on his own. Ran the channels and put himself about. Not much effect on the ball, like.
Subs
James McClean 6
Gave Ireland much-needed width in the second half and his arrival allowed Brady to shift to the right. McClean got at the Bosnia backline for fun. Worked his socks off going the other direction, too, but was crucially caught napping for the pass that led to Dzeko’s equaliser.
Marc Wilson 6
Played left back, we were told. Came on for Stephen Ward, we were told. He was somewhere amidst the fog.
Aiden McGeady 5
Not on long enough to be rated. Thank God.
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