They say football is a game of two halves…
Republic of Ireland got their World Cup qualifying campaign under way with a heroic 2-2 draw against Hungary at the Aviva Staidum on Saturday.
Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side were 2-0 down in the first half, but goals from Evan Ferguson and Adam Idah earned them a valuable point against their 10-man opponents.
They now go to Armenia on Tuesday evening in their second World Cup Qualifier, before facing Portugal (away) and Armenia (home) again in October.
The Boys in Green finish their World Cup group in November, facing Portugal (home) and Hungary (away).
Here’s how SportsJOE rated the XI plus subs at the Aviva Stadium.
Caoimhin Kelleher – 7
Couldn’t have done much about first goal, but took a step to his left for the second and left his goal wide open. Fantastic header, mind.
Did well to snuff out a chance late in the first, and produced two solid saves in the second half as Hungary broke. Got man-of-the-match in the stadium.
Jake O’Brien – 7
Showed invention down the right with an early burst in the first half, but was then reduced to sending long throws into the box.
Still had plenty of defending to do with Hungary down to 10-men, but was solid in the second half, and prompted the foul that saw Sallai sent off. Delivered several dangerous balls in the second half and was an aerial danger, too.
Nathan Collins – 5
A first half to forget for Ireland’s captain. Got caught under the ball as Hungary nearly scored a second from a left-wing cross, and lost his man for the second goal from a corner, though he was slightly impacted by Doherty getting in his way.
Redeemed himself somewhat in the second, getting up well to win an aerial from Szmodics’ header across goal before Ferguson bundled home.
Lost another 50-50 in the middle of his half, which led to a big Hungary chance at 2-1, but was a menace in the opposite box, with several headers back across goal as Hungary looked to hold on at 10 men.
Dara O’Shea – 6
Had plenty of defending to do throughout and was solid if unspectacular. Was dangerous in Hungary’s box in the second half as Ireland went to aerial route.
Matt Doherty – 4
Just not sure Doherty is an international left back. Didn’t push out quick enough for Hungary’s first goal, leaving Varga onside, and slipped again just before half-time leading to another Hungary chance.
Improved slightly in the second half before being subbed off for the final quarter.
Josh Cullen – 6
Caught between a rock and a hard place after Hungary went 2-0 up. Designed to sit in front of back four but was forced to push forward and show invention, which is not his primary skill. More composed second half before being subbed off on 66.
Jason Knight – 6
Much like Cullen, solid but with little creativity despite being found in space several times. Hungary seemed happy to let him have the ball and surround Ferguson and Azaz instead. Improved second half, like much of the Ireland team, with some effective diagonals.
Finn Azaz – 7
Perhaps should have done better with early chance from O’Brien’s right-wing cross, but was otherwise Ireland’s most inventive player in a drab first half. Decent with the ball in tight areas but that final pass or effort was missing.
Had huge chance to make it 2-2 with a header, but Dibusz made stunning save. Despite Ireland going aerial from the start, Azaz still showed sparks with the ball at his feet.
Sammie Szmodics – 6
Struggled to make much of an impact in the first half, fluffing a shot from 30 yards with better options ahead of him. Busier and able to make more of an impact in the second half, drawing a few fouls.
Ryan Manning – 8
Got down the left a few times in the first half; his delivery was decent but dealt with well by Hungary’s defence. Was able to purely attack second half, and able to pepper Hungary’s box from the left.
Dangerous free-kick, punched away by Dibusz, led to the 2-1 goal, and the Hungary goalkeeper also tipped away his late free-kick from the edge of the box. Delivered a peach of a cross for Idah to head home for the leveller to send the Aviva wild.
Manning is our MOTM – his delivery, particularly from set pieces, is a valuable weapon for Ireland.
Evan Ferguson – 7
Barely had a sniff for most of the first half, and was penalised several times for overly physical play by a referee who seemed intent on a stop-start game. Booked for a late foul after miscontrolling the ball.
Did really well just before the break to create a decent chance, forcing a good save out of Hungary’s goalkeeper.
Was on hand in the second half to bundle the ball over the line for 2-1, and generally had a much more impactful second period.
Subs
Chiedozie Ogbene – 7
On at 66 – Attempted to get at right back a few times, but struggled to deliver a ball into the box. Switched flanks and had a much better impact, winning fouls and looking a general menace. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him starting in Armenia.
Jack Taylor – 6
On at 66 – Blazed shot over bar from edge, and otherwise kept the ball moving when Ireland were pushing for a second.
Adam Idah – 7
On at 77 – Other than heading home the leveller, didn’t do much else. But who cares!
Mikey Johnston – 6
On at 77 – Kept ball moving and is a good option off the bench, but not sure he will shift Azaz or Manning in the starting XI.
