The Republic of Ireland remain unbeaten in their Euro 2021 qualification campaign, but they seriously flirted with a damaging defeat in a Jekyll and Hyde showing at the Aviva Stadium.
It was a case of the good, the bad, and the lovely big head of David McGoldrick for the Boys in Green. Here's how we rated them.
DARREN RANDOLPH 7
Let a first-half corner slip from his grasp, with Schar ultimately blazing the loose ball over the bar. But that was a rare moment of indecision from Randolph, who cleaned up a few loose back-passes and made one great point-blank stop to deny Seferovic nine minutes before the break – even if the flag went up afterwards. Actually, didn’t have much to do on the turnaround, though that was occasionally down to the visitors’ awful finishing. Had no chance with the goal.
SEAMUS COLEMAN 7
He benefited from McCarthy changing things in the first half, happily accepting the invitation to raid down the right when he could. Never sparked with Robinson in the manner you feel they’re capable of. Ireland always look better when he gets further forward.
ENDA STEVENS 6
Picked up an early yellow for a reckless challenge on Mbabu and looked affected by nerves, particularly in the first 15 minutes. Improved a little in the second half, doing really well to hold up and then dispossess Embolo when effectively in a one-on-one situation after a swift visiting counter off an Irish free-kick. That being said, he was one of a few Irish defenders ball watching when Embolo fluffed a glorious chance o 62 minutes, and he had his pocket picked by Mbabu in the lead-up to another Swiss chance five minutes later. Overall, a difficult night for the Sheffield United defender.
SHANE DUFFY 7
Produced a brilliant, crucial block to deny Seferovic in the 21st minute and a few other brave headers in his own box. Generally marshalled his back four well but the Swiss goal came from a move that went right through the heart of that home defence. They were caught completely cold.
RICHARD KEOGH 6.5
In physical terms he got to grips with Switzerland’s imposing attacking duo of Seferovic and Embolo, but the latter roasted him just after the hour when he exposed the Derby man’s lack of pace and he sometimes got sucked out of position when Switzerland’s runners from deep came charging into the last third. Also has to take some blame for the opener.
GLENN WHELAN 7
His passing was crisp, and he offered some protection to the back four but he was swamped at times as the Swiss overloaded the midfield with smart, breaking runs. He almost broke the crossbar with a rasping drive late on which would have added a remarkable chapter to his lengthy international career.
JAMES McCLEAN 6.5
Almost finished off a great first-half move when he latched on to Hendrick’s pass and burst into the area. That however was as good as it got until a mad last ten minutes. Effectively played wing-back when McCarthy made his tactical change, which saw his attacking influence wane even more. It looked like being a night to forget for the Derryman, and then… and then. The Swiss goal flicked a switch in his brain that transformed him into the angry marauder that can be so effective. He made McGoldrick’s goal but he also set the tone for a gutsy Irish response. If only he’d played like that from the start.
JEFF HENDRICK 7.5
It was a special night for the St Kevin’s Boys graduate, who became the 42nd senior men’s international to earn a 50th cap with his country. He exerted an enormous amount of energy into a midfield performance that shimmered with good moments though he faded midway through the second half as the visitors took control.
CONOR HOURIHANE 7
Seemed unsure of where he should be in the early stages as the Swiss poured through the home midfield and struggled to dictate midfield. What he does have is a very useful left peg. Bent one terrific free-kick into the six-yard box just before half-time and fizzed another great cross in with 25 minutes to go that just evaded Hendrick.
CALLUM ROBINSON 6
His impudent flick-on to Hendrick, which completely opened up the Swiss in the lead-up to James McLean’s 13th-minute chance ignited the stadium and showcased Robinson’s flare and imagination. It’s frustrating then that he never got himself into those pockets in the last third he likes to find more often. Drifted out of it as the game progressed.
A 'great point' for Ireland - the panel discuss tonight's 1-1 draw with Switzerland #RTESoccer pic.twitter.com/FFdA4wTeGi
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) September 5, 2019
DAVID McGOLDRICK 8.5
Overcooked his cross for Robinson - waiting to tap home in the box - on the stroke of half-time after initially doing brilliantly to leave Manuel Akanji for dead down the right. Always neat and tidy, McGoldrick embellished another intelligent display with a superb header. Hardly ever wastes possession and covers a huge amount of ground. Left the field to a passionate ovation from a very grateful home crowd.
SUBSTITUTES
Alan Judge (for Robinson 58) 6
Had a rush of blood to the head when he blazed a right-wing cross into the stands soon after ciming on. Struggled to get involved but it’s great to see him back in an Irish short. Wholly deserving of an injury-free run and some international minutes.
Scott Hogan for Hourihane (82) 7
His cleverness was key to building Irish momentum. Gave the Swiss something different to think about in a decent cameo.
Alan Browne for McGoldrick (90)
Not on long enough to rate.
