Oct 14,2024
There may have been some green shoots in a dogged Irish performance that showed promise after the break, but it's still a loss to a very strong Greece team.
Caoimhín Kelleher, Nathan Collins and Liam Scales held the home side at bay for the most part - although the concession of a poor injury time goal left a sour taste.
For better or worse, here's how we rated the Irish players...
Caoimhín Kelleher – 7
Was always going to be a busy evening for the Liverpool keeper. Comfortable under the high ball during hectic early period. Great save from a Giorgos Masouras volley after a deflection saw the ball drop invitingly for the Greek winger. Was on hand again to repel Tasos Bakasetas in the 20th minute and Vangelis Pavlidis from the rebound. In the 29th minute, the goalkeeper again saved from Dimitrios Giannoulis. Could do little about Bakasetas' deflected winner two minutes after the break. Calamitous late error ruined an excellent personal performance - ironically moments after he had been named as Player of the Match.
Dara O'Shea - 6
Blocked left-wing cross during Greek's lightning-fast start as the crowd urged them on. Perfectly timed tackle in 34th minute quashed yet another Greek attack. Replaced by Kasey McAteer late on.
Nathan Collins - 7
The captain kept his shoulder to the wheel as the Ireland defence attempted to firefight all over the backline in that hellish opening 20 minutes. Crucial block from a Pavlidis effort on the edge of the box in the 25th minute. The Brentford man made a number of headed clearances.
Liam Scales - 7
Crucial block from a Giannoulis effort from the edge of the box in the eighth minute. Endless bravery from the Celtic defender. Won a massive amount of aerial challenges and made several crucial interventions. Not blessed with pace and flew by the seat of his pants at times, but looks to have rubber-stamped his spot in the backline.
Robbie Brady - 7
Has arguably been the most influential player of the Heimir Hallgrimsson era so far. Part of a backline that were held to the pin of their collar throughout. His set-piece deliveries remain a crucial part of Ireland's play - particularly on night's like this when the pickings are as slim as it gets.
Chiedozie Ogbene - 6
Struggled to make his mark in the opening half and cut a forlorn figure on the right wing as Greece enjoyed the lion's share of possession with most of the play coming down the Ireland left hand side. Did burst into the action in the 38th minute after a tidy give-and-go with O'Shea who then released the Ipswich speedster down the wing where he eventually forced a corner out of nothing. Drew a foul from Giannoulis which led to the first booking of the match. Possibly unlucky to be one of the first men off before the hour mark, he looked like he might still have had something to offer.
Josh Cullen - 7
Chased shadows for most of the opening period as Greece flooded midfield. Dutch referee Kooij was reluctant to take the cards out on the night that was in it - Cullen might have appreciated it, the Burnley man picked up his share of fouls. Whipped in a super ball for Jack Taylor's headed effort in 69th minute.
Jason Knight - 6
Like Cullen, struggled to land on a blow in the middle of the park in the opening exchanges as Ireland were over-ran in midfield. Drew some clever fouls when in possession that gave his defence a breather. Came much more into the game after Hallgrimsson shuffled his deck as the hour mark approached. Replaced by Jayson Molumby.
Evan Ferguson - 6
Blocked early half-chance wide, wanted a penalty. No ref was going to give that against the home side. Had a physical battle with Mavropanos throughout with the big Greek defender more than able to mix up. Along with Troy Parrott, grafted away up front.
Sammie Szmodics - 5
Like Ogbene on the opposite side, struggled to get into the game. Possibly lucky not to be one of the first men off. Better days ahead for the Ipswich man.
Troy Parrott - 7
Early graft forged chance for Ferguson which the Brighton man missed. Chased every lost cause and fed on scraps throughout. Never gave the Greek defence a moment's peace with what little he had to work with. Won his share of aerial battles - not what you would usually consider the strongest part of his game.
Substitutes
Festy Ebosele (for Ogbene, 57min) - 6
Quickly became a cult hero with his cameo against Finland. Replaced Ogbene here and was asked to do the same job. Had an entertaining battle with the excellent Giannoulis.
Jack Taylor (for Ferguson, 57min) - 7
Certainly looked to have a bit about him during his stint. Wonderful headed effort from Cullen's cross forced excellent save from Odysseas Vlachodimos. Late volley from a Brady corner was blocked by a defender.
Jayson Molumby (for Knight, 72min) - 6
Replaced Knight in a more or less like-for-like swap. Kept the ball ticking over around the middle during Ireland's best period of the game.
Mikey Johnston (for Szmodics, 57min) - 6
The winger has often provided a spark off the bench during his time in green. Didn't quite work out for the tricky West Brom man here.
Kasey McAteer (for O'Shea, 82min) - 5
Came on for the last 10 as Ireland searched desperately for an equaliser. Forced one corner but passed out over the sideline when looking for Ebosele.
