From the emotional rollercoaster in Bratislava, this was somewhat of a Dublin comedown as Stephen Kenny's wait for a first win at internatioanl level continues.
How much the exploits on Thursday night and the late enforced changes in personnel impacted on the rather pedestrian first-half performance is a matter of opinion.
In a game of half chances and a lot of possession for possession's sake from both sides, Ireland probably shaded matters and here is how we rated the Boys in Green.
Darren Randolph 6
The 33-year-old has now played more games for his country this season than West Ham - four Irish appearances against three Carabao Cup appearances for the Hammers.
Normally Mr Dependable behind the back four, Randolph had little to do until a rush of blood moment in the 34th minute.
He comfortably came and claimed a corner kick, but under little pressure dropped the ball and immediately clattered into Ethan Ampadu, and then wrapped his arm around the defender. Incredibly, Ireland were awarded a free-kick, and if VAR was in operation, Randolph could well have been facing a spot-kick. A lucky escape on an otherwise quiet afternoon.
Matt Doherty 7
There has been a sense that Spurs full-back has failed to reach the heights of last season's form, quite a high bar it must be said. Omitted from Jose Mourinho's starting team that crushed Man United 6-1 before the international window, he has yet to find his rhythm in the Stephen Kenny era.
Had few involvements until he was shifted to centre-half early in the game after Kevin Long's enforced departure. Neat and tidy alongside Duffy, without being overly burdened.
Shane Duffy 7.5
With both teams employing a high press once the ball crossed the halfway line, the centre-halves on both sides saw quite a lot of the ball. The on-loan Celtic defender lurked with intent at the other end of the pitch as he went in search of a fifth international goal.
Always alert to the danger, Duffy threw himself at an Aaron Ramsey shot that could have caused Randolph bother in the second half and an imposing defensive presence at corners and free-kicks. Wales had scored in each of their Nations League games to date, but rarely looked like doing so in Dublin, with Duffy marshalling his troops well.
Kevin Long 6
The first-choice centre-half partnership of Egan and Duffy was disrupted and thirteen months on from his last international appearance - a goalscoring performance against Bulgaria - Kevin Long was the man Stephen Kenny turned to.
Unfortunately his afternoon was over after 24 minutes. The left-sided centre-half showed an eye for a pass with a long raking ball to Robbie Brady on the right after a lengthy period of unthreatening possession and was comfortable, if relatively untested. The Burnley man shipped what appeared an unintentional elbow from Kieffer Moore in an aerial challenge and his outing was done.
Enda Stevens 7
It is easy to forget that two and a half years ago, the former Shamrock Rovers man was still awaiting his first cap. The 30-year-old constantly offers himself for possession and covered a lot of ground on the left flank, at time over-lapping James McClean to offer space in a congested area.
Knocked in a pinpoint cross for Shane Long who should have scored with a free header. A couple of missed passes and blocked down clearances aside, another impressive outing in green.
Jeff Hendrick 6
The most advanced of the Irish midfield trio, Hendrick wasn't found wanting for endeavour, popping up here and there with little passes, but struggled to find any real openings and cut a frustrated figure at times after coughing up possession.
Grew into the game as the contest wore on from an attacking perspective, even if the end product wasn't always there. His 81st minute effort from distance was easily taken by Wayne Hennessy, and it proved to be Ireland's only shot on target.
Jayson Molumby 6.5
A player Stephen Kenny knows well from his U-21 days, it has been quite the autumn for the Brighton midfielder. A debut against Finland last month, he stepped into the breach in the engine room with James McCarthy ruled out, slotting in alongside Conor Hourihane.
Always keen to get on the ball, he had a couple of early forays, and was more involved after the break. Solid if unspectacular for the international tyro.
Conor Hourihane 6
The 29-year-old had the callow Jayson Molumby as his deep-lying midfield partner this afternoon with James McCarthy out.
When the Welsh midfield grew in influence in the first half, particulalry Aaron Ramsey, Hourihane struggled to cover the pockets of space, though the visitors failed to capitalise.
James McClean 5
The Derry man was furious with his dismissal, coming minutes after an unfortunate yellow. It was more the force and intent of his sliding challenge on Connor Roberts, rather than the maliciousness of the tackle, but either way, it was a sour ending for a player who has only found himself in the team due to the absence of others.
Undoubtedly Ireland are more often than not a tougher nut to crack with McClean in the team, the Stoke man tracking back on a number of occasions to offer protection for Enda Stevens when necessary. Dealt with a couple of Welsh crosses from the right in a most controlled and precise manner and Wales always looked like they would get more joy on the opposite flank.
On the front foot, McClean tried to inject a bit more thrust and fired in a couple of probing crosses that came to nothing, and picked out substitute Daryl Horgan from out wide as it appeared the best chance of a breakthrough would indeed come from the flanks.
Robbie Brady 7.5
Lively against Slovakia after his introduction, the Burnley man looked to most likely to create something for the hosts.
Also improved the standard of set-pieces considerably. His first two corners found the head of Duffy, while his second free-kick, from the right-hand side, was whipped into the danger area between goalkeeper and defensive line and Duffy was inches from getting his foot on the end of it.
Had Ireland's best chance of the opening half when he latched onto a wayward Harry Wilson ball in a flash, opening his body up on the edge of the area, but couldn't find the top corner he was looking for.
Wasn't always on the same wavelength as Christie on the right flank. Replaced by Daryl Horgan.
Shane Long 6
Given David McGoldrick's superb showing in leading the line against Slovakia, it was always a difficult act to follow for Shane Long, and he was a virtual spectator in the opening 45 minutes with Ireland playing through the lines and the Southampton man feeding off scraps.
The Tipperary man spurned a wonderful opportunity to claim his first Ireland goal in more than four years in the 54th minute in a game of few clear cut chances. His run into the box went unnoticed and Enda Stevens's cross was put on a place, but Long couldn't keep the header down. Replaced by Seanie Maguire.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Cyrus Christie 6
Introduced earlier than he would have expected following Long's departure and quickly showed both sides of his game. Within minutes, the Nottingham Forest man offered more attacking impetus down the right with sharp movement and one-twos, but defensive questions remain, immediately picking up a yellow card after giving away possession.
An energetic presence on the pitch, his crossing was below par, but did go as close as anyone to finding the back of the net when he cut inside onto his left foot and let fly from distance.
Seanie Maguire 6
For the final quarter led the Irish line but made little impression.
Daryl Horgan 6.5
Replaced Robbie Brady for his seventh cap in the 74th minute. Quickly involved in the attack, and could have given the hosts the lead just three minutes later. He met a deep James McClean cross and got a second bite of the cherry when the ball fell kindly for him, but he couldn't keep his effort down.
A direct, mazy run was a reminder of the different attacking threat the Hibs man can bring to the table and will be looking to force his way into the team for Finland.
Josh Cullen N/A
Came on in the final minute as a replacement for Jayson Molumby.
