Ireland player ratings against Czechia: Manning's error as untimely as it was costly

Heartbreak for the Irish, but most can walk away with heads held high

Robin Hranáč goes to tackle Adam Idah. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Caoimhin Kelleher: Close to saving first penalty in shootout but got down well to deny Mojmir Chytil with the third - put Ireland in the box seat but like earlier, we didn't take the advantage earned.  7 

Jake O’Brien: Embroiled in a tasty aerial battle with Tomas Chory. Long throws were a regular threat, most notably to set up Troy Parrott’s header late on. 7 

Nathan Collins: Vital for both goals after piledriver shot was deflected onto crossbar. Defended bravely and led his troops throughout. 8  

Dara O’Shea: Headed ball across goal to force the error for Matej Kovar’s own goal. Dominant in the air in both boxes but will be disappointed to have allowed equaliser. 7.5

Seamus Coleman: One of several whose lack of club action was a pre-match concern but he worked non-stop down the right flank before eventually departing in extra time. Warrior. 7 

Jayson Molumby: Woodwork denied him from making it 3-1 early in second period. Faced nervy moment in extra-time when Schick’s strike accidentally deflected off his left hand. 7 

Jack Taylor: Booked after 20 minutes for a foul on Lukas Provod but justified his inclusion by winning more than fair share of 50/50s. Ireland lost midfield battle after his departure. 7

Chiedozie Ogbene shone on the wing, posing a serious threat going forward for Ireland. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Ryan Manning: Silly, needless and untimely mistake when it looked like the hosts were on the rack 0-2 down. Worked productively offensively but no legislating or excuses for such a daft decision. 4 

Chiedozie Ogbene: Outstanding. Put Czechia under pressure from the opening seconds and he was the only consistent outlet throughout difficult second period. 9 

Finn Azaz: Not overly prominent until a good turn and shot that was saved late in the first half but always willing to do the dirty work, underlined by 101st-minute block on Sulc. Penalty was well saved but tame and telegraphed. 6 

Troy Parrott: Penalty to make it 1-0 was nerveless and clinical, so too his shootout effort, but he endured touch-tight marking throughout which limited his influence in open play. 7 

Substitutes 

Robbie Brady (for Manning, 68): Added plenty of passion and energy but Ireland were already well up against it. Fantastic from the spot. 6 

Alan Browne (for Taylor, 68): First appearance since 2024. Conceded hotly-disputed free-kick that led to equaliser and his penalty was unconvincing. 5 

Adam Idah (for Ogbene, 96): Lacked the speed to break free when through one-on-one late in first half of extra-time. Excellent penalty 6 

Jimmy Dunne (for Coleman, 96): Disciplined defensively and delivered one reasonable cross. 5 

Sam Szmodics (for Molumby, 115): Sustained serious head injury two minutes after coming on, requiring lengthy treatment for concussion n/a 

Harvey Vale (for Szmodics, 119): Not on long enough to be rated. n/a 

Not used: Mark Travers, Josh Keeley, Johnny Kenny, John Egan, Jason Knight, James Abankwah.