A draw, but a decent performance. And a look at a lot of players.
After a flat performance in the win over Switzerland with that lifeless 4-4-2 formation, Martin O’Neill reverted back to the narrow diamond setup which has served his team so well since June.
10 changes were made in all as the beautiful Wes Hoolahan came back into the team and breathed life and direction into the side – and meaning into our lives.
Rob Elliott 5
Could do nothing about the first goal and was unfortunate to be withdrawn very early through injury. Newcastle will be delighted.
Cyrus Christie 7
Got forward at will, really troubled the Slovaks on the overlap but a lot of his crosses and final balls were blocked down. Played an unbelievable pass in the second period though to Wes’ head with his left foot that set up a big chance. Always looking to make something happen with the ball. Solid defensively.
Paul McShane 5
Kicked his first pass straight out of play. Caught on the half way line diving in for a ball he had no need to dive in for and it led to the goal, although Glenn Whelan’s wandering did him no favours. Conceded an own goal for Slovakia’s second which was probably unlucky enough, it came at such close quarters. Game as usual but you’d imagine he’d be doing well to get in ahead of Shane Duffy at this rate.
John O’Shea 6
Definitely the most commanding of the chosen back four, which you’d obviously expect. Wasn’t to blame for either of the two first half goals and he was brought off at half time presumably with his ticket to France already booked.
Stephen Ward 6
Beaten too easily down the flank for the second goal but not too bad overall. Very safe in possession and started getting forward more as the game wore on.
Glenn Whelan 6
Seemed to just dander away from the danger when Slovakia broke for the opener and the vacancy he left committed centre half McShane at full back. Zipped a few passes around aside from that. 6/10. That’s becoming his motto.
James McCarthy 8
Fantastic sliding tackle in the early exchanges that sent a message straight away that this wasn’t going to be as subdued as Friday night and the tempo was up right from the off – dictated a lot by the Everton man. He’s becoming such a commanding presence for the country and he’s controlling games now like everyone knew he could. The difference between him starting on Tuesday and not on Friday was there for all to see.
Eunan O’Kane 6
He’s an option, a genuine one. Looked a little nervy during his first international start but showed glimpses of his effortless class in the middle and even found space for another cheeky nutmeg. He plays ball, and good ball. Should be considered strongly for the trip to France.
Wes Hoolahan 9
Jesus, where do you start? The man is just glorious. Even when he had to move further forward in Long’s absence, he was still on the ball every 10 seconds. It’s getting boring saying how good and important he is. Went off to a standing ovation too.
What did we do before Wes Hoolahan?
What did football do?
— Conán Doherty (@ConanDoherty) March 29, 2016
James McClean 8
Deployed in the Jon Walters role which is, by its last technical definition, ‘all over the f**king field’. Buried the second penalty but his runs and energy up top are very, very interesting. He was a handful for the opposition backline, he linked up with Shane Long potently and he was even creating chances for himself. Managers should just work with him for the next few months on his shooting and moving. He’s playing himself just behind Long and Walters in our strike options at this rate.
Shane Long 9
Hilarious. He is absolutely hilarious. Nicked in to win the ball back for the move that started Ireland’s equaliser – of course he was back on the end of that move winning the penalty which he put away. Won another penalty a minute later when he brought a ball from the sky delightfully and took Skrtel for a merry dance that ended with the Slovak tripping all over him. Another crowd-pleasing, threatening display that was brought to a close by the manager after 45 minutes.
Subs
Darren Randolph 7
After a disappointing night on Friday when he failed to set Shane Long up for even one chance, Randolph was brought on during the first period and he was linking up with his striker again in a manner that would’ve given Manuel Neuer nightmares. Found him for the second penalty that was then won by the striker and he was brave with a couple of short balls he was given. Unlucky with the the goal McShane steered in past him and, once again, he was confident and strong and just looked the part between the sticks.
Robbie Brady 7
Came on for Shane Long and originally took over Hoolahan’s role at the head of the diamond but we forgave him for that when he carved out a few chances. Tried one from distance early on, showed great footwork and drew challenges. It was a lively attacking display from Brady who just seemed happy to have the defensive shackles released. Moved deeper when O’Kane came off but he was a thorn for Slovakia nonetheless.
Alex Pearce 6
Grand.
Anthony Pilkington 6
Lively when he came on up top beside McClean. Tried to get in behind, tried to make himself available at every outlet. Two of the heartiest men chasing after lost causes for Ireland in the forward line.
Aiden McGeady 6
One nice swivel in the middle of the field. Came on for Hoolahan but didn’t see the same kind of ball. Does anyone?
Jonny Hayes 5
Didn’t get a lot of time or chances to show himself off.
Brought to you by SPAR, a proud partner of the FAI.
