Gavin Bazunu – 7
While the goalkeeper did make a number of impressive saves, that wasn't his only contribution. Bazunu passed the ball out and helped Ireland get around the Dutch high press. He looked comfortable with orange shirts running his way, and it allowed Ireland quickly transition from defence to attack.
Matt Doherty – 6
The Dubliner's return was mixed. While he did cause problems for the Dutch when getting forward, his adventures created space on the right which the Netherlands exploited.
Shane Duffy – 7
A welcome return for the defender, who did exactly what he was supposed to do. Duffy blocked shots, disrupted passing lanes, and marshalled those around him.
John Egan – 6
In the modern game, Egan is the perfect defender given his ability to defend and pass the ball. He linked up with those in front and got stuck in when the Dutch tried to create something. One moment that sums up his night was a first half sliding challenge that stopped a run from Xavi Simons down the right wing.
Nathan Collins – 6
The Leixlip native worked in tandem with Egan and Duffy in defence, and did what he could. That involved stopping chances from coming through the middle, and that's what happened with the majority of the Dutch’s chances coming from wide positions.
James McClean – 5
It was a stellar performance by McClean up until the start of the second half when he lost sight of his marker as he watched Frenkie de Jong. That moment allowed Denzel Dumfries to run on onto the midfielder's pass and set up Wout Weghorst to score the second goal. Having bags of energy and doing the running is one thing, but losing a marker while ball watching in a dangerous position is more important.
Josh Cullen – 6
When your job in midfield is covering the defence, the job can often go unnoticed given the need to focus on space. Cullen did that exactly when keeping track of a Dutch team that had creators like Frenkie De Jong.
Alan Browne – 6
The Preston North End club captain put in free-kicks for Ireland and did the thankless work in the middle of the park. He covered holes and broke up play. Despite this, he struggled to impose himself in a game that was fought in midfield.
Jason Knight – 8
The midfielder was the engine for Ireland in the middle of the park. He retreated when needed and pushed up when space allowed. He was just one reason why the Netherlands never once looked comfortable in possession when they were trying to create something in their own half.
Chiedozie Ogbene – 8
The striker played two positions, striker and cover at right wing back. He never once stopped running, and this won Ireland a number of first-half corners with the first leading to the penalty that Idah scored.
Adam Idah – 8
The Cork native’s night wasn’t just about scoring. He tormented the Dutch backline by constantly pressing and winning his side turnovers. Idah spent the night battling Virgil van Dijk and the Liverpool captain seemed to be struggling with the physicality and energy of the striker that lines out for Norwich City .
Substitutes
Ryan Manning – 6
The 27-year-old, who recently joined Southampton from Swansea, replaced James McClean and put in set pieces and went up and down the left wing. It was an average night for a player readjusting to life with the national team, nothing special.
Will Smallbone – 7
The midfielder linked up with those around and he provided a creative edge during his brief cameo. His overall night needs to be looked at in isolation as Ireland petered out in the closing minutes.
Jamie McGrath – 7
The midfielder was only on the pitch a matter of seconds when he got in the way of a Dutch counter attack.
Festy Ebosele – 6
The Under-21 graduate continued to integrate himself into the senior team. He got forward and showed all his attributes as the feeling of optimism evaporated as the Netherlands began to see out the win.
Sinclair Armstrong – 5
The Shamrock Rovers academy star is now plying his trade with QPR. He showed he has what it takes at this level during a window that doesn’t give any true insight into his abilities.
