Ukraine 1-1 Ireland.
The Republic of Ireland drew 1-1 away to Ukraine in their final Uefa Nations League game of the month.
Ireland took the lead in the Polish city of Lodz through an incredible goal from Nathan Collins in the first half. Ukraine, however, equalised after half-time through Artem Dovbyk.
Here is how we rated the Ireland players.
Ireland player ratings.
Caoimhin Kelleher – 7
After recording a clean sheet against Scotland, the Liverpool goalkeeper kept his place in the starting XI to earn his seventh cap and was busy in the first half.
Kelleher made some important saves to keep the score down and was a calm presence behind Ireland’s defence. He was also assured in possession, comfortable playing short or long passes.
Nathan Collins – 9
It is no exaggeration to say that Collins scored one of the best Ireland goals of recent memory in the first half.
The Burnley central defender won the ball in Ukraine’s half and dribbled around four opposition players before slotting the ball beyond the goalkeeper with the outside of his boot.
It would have been impressive for any Ireland player to score such a stunning goal, never mind a 21-year-old central defender earning just his seventh cap.
Beyond his wonderful solo goal, Collins was excellent and showed why he has cemented his place as a first-choice defender under Kenny.
The Leixlip-native, 21, was aggressive and proactive, winning the ball back on several occasions and helping Ireland’s defence keep Ukraine at bay.
Nathan Collins has scored one of the all-time great Ireland goals ☘️#UKRIRL pic.twitter.com/4EZZuEgDMK
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 14, 2022
Darragh Lenihan – 7
Lenihan, making his first appearance for the national team since 2018, came into the team to earn his third cap. The Blackburn Rovers defender started in the absence of Shane Duffy, who was suspended for the game, and John Egan, who was unavailable due to family reasons.
Lenihan didn’t look out of place and helped Ireland stem Ukraine’s attacks, winning his fair share of aerial challenges. Like the rest of the Irish defence, however, he might have done more to prevent Ukraine’s goal, but it was a strong performance in a difficult game.
Dara O’Shea – 7
O’Shea earned his 13th cap. The West Brom defender was solid at the back and comfortable in possession.
Alan Browne – 6
Browne scored against Scotland playing as a right wing-back, and he also kept their best player, Andy Robertson, quiet in an impressive performance.
The Preston North End midfielder mostly kept Vitaliy Mykolenko quiet on Wednesday night but was a little loose in possession.
James McClean – 5
McClean, earning his 94th cap, captained Ireland at the night. However, the Wigan Athletic winger was partly at fault for Ukraine’s equaliser, even if none of Ireland’s defence can escape blame for the goal.
The Ireland skipper didn’t spot Andriy Yarmolenko in space over his shoulder just after half-time. McClean raced back and stopped Yarmolenko’s advance, but failed to cut out the cross which landed with Artem Dovbyk to tap home.
McClean, however, worked hard throughout a tough game for Stephen Kenny’s team.
Josh Cullen – 7
Cullen started his 15th consecutive game for Ireland and has become the first name on the teamsheet under Kenny.
The Anderlecht midfielder was tidy in possession and kept play ticking over with his accurate passes. He was also solid when Ireland didn’t have the ball, winning possession back and throwing himself into tackles.
Cullen was also full of energy and kept going until the final whistle, an impressive feat given it was his fourth match for Ireland in 11 days.
Jayson Molumby – 7
Molumby was one of the main reasons for Ireland’s improved performance against Scotland. The West Brom midfielder brought the bite and energy that had been missing from the defeats to Ukraine and Armenia.
He carried that performance into Wednesday’s match, helping Ireland’s midfield contents an intense, hard-fought contest against the Ukraine midfield. Molumby was also calm on the ball and didn’t waste possession.
Jason Knight – 6
Knight played as Ireland’s most advanced midfielder and set up Troy Parrott with a brilliant lofted cross to the back post in the first half, only for the striker to miss.
Knight was impressive without the ball and dropped into midfield when Ireland didn’t have possession.
Troy Parrott – 6
After a stellar performance against Scotland, in which he scored and recorded an assist, it was no surprise to see Parrott retain his starting place in the team.
The striker, however, couldn’t replicate his performance. Parrott should have scored his fifth goal for Ireland in the first half when he had a free header in the Ukraine penalty area. He appeared to have enough time to take a shot but opted to attack the ball with his head.
Parrott, however, worked hard up front and might have found the net on another night.
Scott Hogan – 5
Hogan was a surprise inclusion ahead of Chiedozie Ogbene but he was largely on the edge of the game. The striker found it difficult to get involved and was replaced by Callum Robinson after 57 minutes.
Substitutes.
Callum Robinson – 6
The West Brom forward was an improvement on Hogan and showed signs of linking up well with Parrott.
Jeff Hendrick & Conor Hourihane – 5
The pair added fresh legs to Ireland’s midfield as the game became stretched.
Chiegozie Ogbene – N/A
Not on long enough to be rated.
