A host of Republic of Ireland players stood out in the 2-1 defeat to Portugal. Here are the Irish ratings from the 2022 World Cup qualifier loss.
Gavin Bazunu - 8
The madness of the penalty incident summed up how his game will still improve but also the strengths that have seen him make such early strides. His weak, left-footed pass into Jeff Hendrick led to the foul but he quickly composed himself from that error to make a brilliant save and deny Cristiano Ronaldo. But there was no chance with either of the headers which beat him.
Seamus Coleman (c) - 8
On the occasion of his 60th cap, Coleman, now 32, rolled back the years with a stellar all round display. Venturing forward to support attacks as well as sitting in to provide solidity, it was a true captain's performance.
Shane Duffy- 8
Marshalled the defence as if he had never been away and looked back to his commanding best in and around Ireland’s box. But in those final moments Ronaldo was able to find the space needed to make the difference.
Dara O’Shea - 6
His night came to an end on 35 minutes because of a knee injury but packed plenty into his short time on the pitch. Fell to the ground when Ronaldo lashed out at him before the penalty. 6
John Egan - 8
Crowned FAI player of the year for 2020 earlier in the day and capped it off by getting the run on Ronaldo at the near post to finish a delightful glancing header at the back. Still, it was the Manchester United man who had the final say.
Matt Doherty - 8
Like Coleman on the opposite wing-back flank, the Spurs man provided an outlet for Ireland to cause trouble in the final third. He was also excellent in possession and won a number of free kicks to ease pressure.
Jeff Hendrick - 7
Unfortunate to give away the penalty but those who accuse him of hiding in the middle of the park would have to admit his bravery to take the ball in tight areas centrally and try to keep moves progressing was impressive.
Josh Cullen- 7
Really assured display in the middle of the park but seemed to get overrun in the final 30 minutes as Portugal had complete control of the ball. More games at club level and he will nail down this role as a sitting midfielder under Kenny.
Jamie McGrath - 7
Made history as the first Meath man to play a competitive game for Ireland and, more importantly, set up Egan’s goal with a perfectly-flighted corner. Carving a niche as a set-piece expert will do his chances no harm at all.
Aaron Connolly - 6
From the early moments it was clear his primary role was defensive to prevent Joao Cancelo getting too much joy down the right side, but as the game opened up so too did the space for him to exploit. Flashed one wild shot over the bar when he should have hit target just outside box.
Adam Idah - 7
The lone front man needed to be able to mix his game up by holding up the ball as well as running into the wide open spaces Portugal left. There were times he was a bit erratic, but he also gave Pepe and Ruben Dias plenty to think about.
Substitutes
Andrew Omobamidele for O’Shea (35) - 7
The 12th player given his debut by Kenny in his first year in charge and the 19-year-old, the youngest Ireland player on the pitch, slotted in without any issues.
James McClean for Connolly (72) - 5
Flashed a shot wide in injury time when he should have squared to James Collins.
James Collins for Idah (90)
Not enough time to make an impact.
Jayson Molumby for McGrath
Not enough time to make an impact.
