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The Republic of Ireland exited Euro 2020 after a bitter penalty shootout loss to Slovakia in Bratislava.
Shots from the spot followed 120 minutes of tense and passionate football as Stephen Kenny’s team brought the game to the opponent and created the most chances.
Here are the player ratings on a disappointing but encouraging night.
Darren Randolph 8
That indifferent, almost disastrous pass near the end? Well, at least we got our way.
He made a fantastic save at the edge of the break when Ireland was caught on the counter.
He was defeated by Haraslin’s shot with 15 minutes to go, but had guardian angel Shane Duffy standing behind him.
Shanked a back pass from Enda Stevens in the first period of overtime, but it was otherwise neat.
He almost stopped the third penalty on the penalty shoot-out and flinched at not being able to stop at least optimal Panenka for the fourth.
Matt Doherty 6.5
It still tends to cut a frustrated figure for Ireland. Every now and then he shows glimpses of the style and adventure of his club’s exhibits, but most of the time, his forward forays break down due to poor communication.
He was caught by Haraslin’s opportunity in the fourth quarter.
He got more into the game in the latter stages of the second half when Ireland lunged forward looking for a goal.
Shane Duffy 8.5
The defensive uncertainty that ruined Ireland’s performances in September was completely absent tonight.
The Derryman, with a month of football for the Scottish champions under their belt, were far more confident and imposing than last month’s shaky shows.
The odd pass still went astray, but it was an intimidating bulwark in the Irish defense when they were under pressure at times in the first half of the second half.
He executed a Richard Dunne-style block on Haraslin’s Moscow in the 75th minute when it appeared that Ireland had been cut off.
John Egan 8.5
Excellent player, impeccable defensively and serene with the ball. An expert reader of the game, he cut numerous cross and cross passes.
Although he only got into the squad properly last year, he has become one of Ireland’s most trusted players.
He held his ground during that period in the early second half when Ireland was under pressure and endured waves of attacks from Slovakia.
Enda Stevens 8
Excellent and efficient display both on defense and in the future.
A couple of highlights: At the end of the first half, he did well to put down a dangerous attack from Slovakia and made it to safety, showing great adventure and awareness to create the opportunity for Alan Browne in the fourth quarter. An enormously reliable figure on the back.
Jeff Hendrick 7.5
Playing in a more advanced role than usual, the Newcastle United man had more opportunities to show off his subtle passing ability and understated style.
He was one of Ireland’s most effective players in the first half, putting the game together well and keeping the passing moves alive even when surrounded. On the other hand, he occasionally lacked frankness and couldn’t drive into space when it was opened for him.
It returned to play a deeper role once McCarthy was called to the ground and was less flashy or effective thereafter. You can spray a few spectacularly impressive passes.
James McCarthy 7
Composed of his brief defense and orderly on the ball without providing much oomph (not his role), the unfortunate Glasgow was injured in the second half and had to be called to the ground.
The game opened up a bit in his absence when Hendrick took over his role and Browne took on the role of forward midfield.
Conor Hourihane 7
Sometimes ridiculed by critics as a midfield walker, Hourihane was a bit more present in the first half as the Irish midfield was more imposing than it has been in many years.
He clearly has a few glorious passes in the locker and he deployed a few of them tonight to open the game at times.
Too often his muscles gave out and he shrugged off the ball in midfield.
However, he kept his nerves in the shooting.
James McClean 7.5
Purists may have complained when news of his selection was announced, but he made a lively and heartfelt demonstration.
It was an energetic performance in the first half from McClean, who managed to interrupt the Slovak attacks and advance to participate prominently in the Irish.
He proved his mettle with a late intervention to cut off a dangerous early counterattack and did well to get something out of some hopeful crossed balls.
Passing occasionally disappointed him, as he can sometimes, particularly in the run-up to his yellow card infraction early in the second half.
This may have influenced the decision to replace him on time.
Callum Robinson 8
Robinson, one of Ireland’s best players in the first half, brought his impressive club form to the international arena.
He calmed down a bit in the second half when he was overshadowed by attacking partner McGoldrick, but he was a key figure in creating the golden-edged opportunity for Hourihane.
Tired of extra time, O’Dowda replaced him in the first 15 minutes.
David McGoldrick 9
Possibly a touch below par in the first half? Not so from the second half.
The Sheffield United attacker is a tremendous mix of physicality and finesse, holding the ball, elegantly making room for himself and distributing it intelligently.
McGodrick was full of threat in the second half, none more in the final 10 minutes as he led the Slovak defense, slipping a pass to Robinson on the opportunity that ended with Hourihane’s shot blocked in the six-yard box.
Plus, he did particularly well in the run-up to Alan Browne’s opportunity in the 69th minute, keeping the ball under close attention and finding the Stevens on the way. Too bad there is no goal again …
SUBSTITUTIONS:
Alan Browne 8
Ghosted in some decent positions and his arrival coincided with the rebound in Ireland’s attacking threat after a period of inactivity in the third quarter.
No player, other than Hourihane, came closer to scoring than Browne. He missed a huge opportunity with 20 minutes remaining, then reacted well to cut that little pass to Hourihane for the lost babysitter.
In overtime, he was unlucky again, cutting the front post and redirecting a low cross by O’Dowda from the post.
Robbie Brady 7
He improved from a very ineffective display against Finland last month. He worked like a terrier and had a couple of big interceptions, although it hasn’t happened on the ball yet. Passes continue to drift with alarming regularity.
He grew in confidence the longer he was on the field, throwing a decent free kick, engaging in the play that ended with Browne throwing the ball off the post and then coldly taking his penalty.
Callum O’Dowda 8
Electric early participation, brilliantly linking with Brady down the left side to create the opportunity for Browne late in the first half of overtime.
He again caused trouble in the second period when he pushed deep against a retreating Slovak defense and was stopped by Hamsik.
Shane Long N / A
He came out of the bank after a stint in the desert, five years after his bullet hit against Germany.
He really wasn’t around long enough to be qualified and was sent with a mandate to chase straight balls. Almost got a lock on Rodak’s authorization at one point.
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