Ireland player ratings V Germany
Off early, but it was more through misfortune rather than exertion. It is remarkable that, in a 42-minute spell in which Germany almost totally dominated and had several shots, Given didn’t really need to extend himself. He didn’t have a single save to make.
Wishing Shay Given a full and speedy recovery after he had to come off for @FAIreland towards the end of first half pic.twitter.com/OgO5ysXb1z
— Inpho Photography (@Inphosports) October 8, 2015
The biggest game of his career so far but superbly kept his head, and more often than not kept Germany at bay. Had one worrying moment with Mario Goetze in the first half and then Andre Schurrle in the second, but it showed his composure that none of that affected him.
Has never completely inspired confidence for Ireland, but this was a creditably assured and complete display - especially given the quality of the opposition. Performed one brilliant interception in the first half, and continued in that vein.
HT and @FAIreland go in against Germany 0-0 after some heroic Irish defending in that first half! #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/zpSkOGrtaF
— Inpho Photography (@Inphosports) October 8, 2015
Even if he’s not the player he used to be, most of the team like him there for his leadership, and he led by example here - especially with a brilliant block on Ilkay Gundogan.
A surprise selection given that he hasn’t played a single minute in the Championship for Burnley, but kept focus here. Never a wrong step.
If it’s now unusual to see him as a winger for Ireland, this match ensured he was effectively a secondary full-back. Again showed he has accustomed superbly. Did well to oust Thomas Muller on 12 minutes, and got better the further he had to go back.
One of his best games for Ireland, in which he rarely put a foot wrong. That probably has a lot to do with the fact he wasn’t this time expected to play the kind of more assured and commanding passes that are usually missing from his game with Ireland, however. Instead, this was all about getting amongst the Germans and tackling. He did that superbly, most notably with a fine interception to deny Marco Reus on the half-hour.
Unreal picture from tonight with the tri-colour raised in the background! #Proud #COYBIG #IREvGER pic.twitter.com/i4nLl974GN
— sportsfile (@sportsfile) October 8, 2015
Was never going to be able to offer the kind of innovation he did in the Georgia game, instead showing so much industry.
A technical level above every Irish player, and with the composure to match. It was difficult to keep up with the amount of times he calmed things down and alleviated the pressure - both on the Irish box and Irish minds - by taking control with the right pass, although there was one moment when that casualness led to a German attack. Otherwise, excellent, with an exquisite drag-back to match.
Wes Hoolahan stole the show. The centrepiece of an historic Irish performance. #supportworks #irlger pic.twitter.com/ovGzIgsZdT
— Three Ireland (@ThreeIreland) October 8, 2015
The perfect forward player for this kind of game, given his defensive work and willingness to hustle. Might have had a penalty in the first half, and came close with a scuffed shot after a good link-up with Hoolahan.
An utterly thankless kind of game for a striker. It said much that, as the furthest man forward, he didn’t even get to be isolated on the half-way line. He was often back near the Irish box, especially for corners, although did well to clear one.
Quite an introduction to competitive international football, and quite a step-up. Pulled off two supreme saves.
After an amazing finish like that, it’s all the more amazing that he didn’t start.
The goal that won the game. #sportlive #IREvGER https://t.co/7hJ9sp5znH
— Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) October 8, 2015
Adjusted to the battle well.
David Meyler didn't let the ref get a sniff of the ball tonight! 💪💪 #COYBIG #IREvGER pic.twitter.com/cBLDLEnUC0
— sportsfile (@sportsfile) October 8, 2015
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
