The country is proud.
Ireland brought France to its knees.
In the end, the hosts advanced 2-1 but it was a gallant display by the Irish who ended with 10 men. Here’s how they rated.
Darren Randolph 9
Took a number of big catches as usual, fantastic diving stop to deny Matuidi. Seemed to stroll over and pluck a Pogba free kick right out of the top corner and couldn’t do damn all about the French goals, not that he didn’t try. Looked so assured between the sticks, even when the French onslaught began against 9 tired outfielders.
There are fewer better sights on this earth than Darren Randolph clutching the ball, chewing gum, and winking#COYBIG
— Conán Doherty (@ConanDoherty) June 26, 2016
Seamus Coleman 8
He was leaving nasty Donegal dents in the body of poor Dimitri Payet all afternoon. Relentless in his defending, Coleman led the team yet again and he did it with power, with drive, with indiscriminate aggression. Mightn’t have been the result he was after but he showed on the biggest possible stage that he is one of the finest right backs in the world.
Shane Duffy 5.5
Regardless of how this game finished, he is moulding into a fine centre half. Seems to flick a switch when he steps onto a field to defend his country for all his life. Hurled himself in Griezmann’s way to block a certain goal with his chest, flicked another certain goal away from the head of Giroud when the striker had an open net. Got sucked across to Keogh’s side for France’s second goal though and got caught up the field when he eventually had no other choice but to bring Griezmann down and take a red for the team.
Richard Keogh 7
Got done with Giroud’s head for the French’s second – many a Premier League defender has fallen victim the same way – but it was another solid display from one of the most consistent Championship players of all time. Sharp across the ground with a real bite in his challenges.
Stephen Ward 6.5
The same Ward levels we’ve come to expect, even if his reputation would sell him short. Left Griezmann for dead down the flank in the first period and grew from there, on the ball and in defence. Struggled with Coman’s pace later in the game as Ireland got penned in and their defenders got isolated.
Jeff Hendrick 6.5
The best performing Irish man of the tournament – along with Robbie Brady. It was a more stop-start day for him against France. When he was in the game, he was his usual, dangerous self. Dynamic, confident, direct. The French controlled the game though so it was hard to have as big an influence.
James McCarthy 8
Brilliant again in that anchor role on his own. Won a surplus of ball back, never made a mistake and was bloody well on it until he was sacrificed to get Wes on the field.
James McCarthy must've had Coleman roaring in his face for the last 50 minutes
— Conán Doherty (@ConanDoherty) June 26, 2016
Robbie Brady 7
Took men on, dished out some real heavy challenges, tried to affect the game every time he got a sniff of the ball. Held his nerve brilliantly to score from the spot and never let up for 90 minutes – on and off the ball. Tireless display.
Shane Long 6.5
Went through an incredible amount of work and won the penalty straight from the off. Seemed angry when was tackling blue jerseys. We failed to get him in behind yet again though.
Daryl Murphy 7
Led the line with aggression and power. Got on the end of everything, made the French backs shit themselves and drew a fantastic stop from Lloris with a splendid half volley on the turn. One of his best games for Ireland.
James McClean 6
First half stats:
Well that's no surprise pic.twitter.com/fUBAh5iGBY
— Conán Doherty (@ConanDoherty) June 26, 2016
Throughout the opening 45 minutes, McClean ran almost half a kilometer more than the best French man. His influence waned in the second period and, although he didn’t have as good a game as he did on Wednesday, it was a heartfelt performance again.
Subs
Jon Walters 6
Was supposed to come on up front in a three-man attack but Duffy got sent off soon after and he was restricted to a midfield role.
John O’Shea 6.5
Did the job in replacing Duffy.
Wes Hoolahan 6
Got on the ball as much as he could but struggled to create any chances for the team. Legs were gone and numbers were limited. Pray to God that this was not his final game for Ireland.
