Player ratings: Ogbene and Knight the best of a poor bunch 

Player ratings from another Aviva defeat for Stephen Kenny's Ireland.

GREEK TRAGEDY: Ireland’s Chiedozie Ogbene and Alan Browne dejected after their sic conceded their second goal. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Gavin Bazunu 

Unconvincingly fumbled Greece’s first shot, from long range, but got lucky as the rebound was cleared and he was heading in the wrong direction as Giorgos Giakoumakis headed home. Nothing to be done about the second goal. 5 

Matt Doherty 

Mildly fortunate not to have conceded a penalty when nudging Giakoumakis to the ground, although the Celtic attacker did go down easily, and pushed too high for the killer second goal. A hasty retreat was not enough. Denied from pulling one back entering the final stages. 5

Shane Duffy 

Underutilised from set pieces and when he was eventually found on the stroke of halftime sent his header straight into the welcoming arms of Odysseas Vlachodimos. Also had an attempt cleared off the line late on. Looked to marshall a defence that was positionally all over the shop. 5 

Nathan Collins 

Played himself into trouble early on by trying to be too clever when passing out from the back. His marking for the opening goal left a lot to be desired and was left dizzy for the second. Poor. Substituted at half-time. 4 

Liam Scales 

Debutant watched a rebounded shot blasted over early on but was caught out positionally and allowed Giakoumakis to get in front of him for the first goal and turned with ease for the second. A chastening introduction to international football. 5 

Alan Browne 

In a slightly different role and his pressing during the first half was worthy of praise. But Ireland continue to struggle when it comes to midfield control regardless of the personnel. 5 

Josh Cullen 

Blazed over from distance nearing halftime as he continues to wait for his first international goal. Tidy in possession without ever appearing progressive. Put in great effort defensively. 5 

Chiedozie Ogbene 

Busy and proactive, he was the hosts’ most consistent attacking threat and his unpredictable dribbling caused Greece's defence some problems. Yet both of the away side’s goals came after he was pressured into pieces of poor control. 6 

Will Smallbone 

Early shot was well saved and showed glimpses of creativity in a No10 role. But his set-piece deliveries were at times awful and he faded from prominence as the match progressed. Substituted. 5 

Jason Knight 

Unlucky to take a heavy touch when almost clear through after smart pressing led to him nicking possession from stretched Greek defence. Dragged a shot wide approaching the hour mark and had a penalty shout ignored. Diligent work off the ball. 6 

Evan Ferguson 

Excellent early run and shot that grazed off the upright but cut a frustrated figure as the game wore on, left too isolated up front as those behind him toiled without much joy. 5 

Substitutes 

Ryan Manning (for Collins, h-t) 

Got forward when possible and has a strong argument to start next week. 5 

Callum Robinson (for Smallbone, 70) 

Back in the fold after a long-term injury but little he could do to impact the game here. Dragged a low shot wide in the 83rd minute. 5 

Mikey Johnston (for Browne, 70) 

Did his best in impossible circumstances and was karate-kicked to the floor. Better deliveries from dead balls. 5 

Adam Idah (for Ogbene, 84) n/a 

Not used: Mark Travers, Max O’Leary, Festy Ebosele, Jamie McGrath, Jayson Molumby, Andrew Omobamidele, Dara O’Shea, Mark Sykes.