Ireland are a force to be reckoned with at the Aviva.
USA were buried tonight in Dublin, along with the memory of Glasgow, as Martin O’Neill’s men put on a fantastic show with three second-half goals making it a fine 4-1 victory.
Shay Given 7
A couple of misplaced clearances put the team under pressure but solid enough between the sticks. Had no chance with the goal and made a decent stop to deny Altidore at the start of the second period. Denied Garza brilliantly with his feet with just 10 minutes left as Ireland led by one. Commanded his box well. Proved to be crucial in hindsight.
Cyrus Christie 8
Felt his way into his debut and then exploded in one instant down the right before whipping in a teasing cross. Real positive run after the restart saw him cut inside and lay in Stokes. Set Pilkington away with a fantastic ball over the top and combined with his winger all night to deadly effect on the right. Martin O’Neill will have been delighted to have uncovered such a natural right back as cover for Coleman.
Alex Pearce 8
Brave, timely, completed necessary clearance to steer clear a Bedoya cross from two USA heads with Given’s goal gaping. A player of the night contender, Pearce was attracting size five footballs to him like they were going out of fashion. Dominant in the air, won a heap of tackles and made another goal-saving clearance with his sliding body on the 70th minute mark.
Ciaran Clark 7
His missed header near the end of the first half almost cost Ireland as the ball broke in the box and Altidore rattled the woodwork. Hit Johnson with a monster tackle after Ireland went ahead for the second time, the American will be feeling that for days. Grew into the game as Ireland needed him, producing a crucial block to turn away Diskerud at the edge of the area.
Robbie Brady 8
Was an outlet all night on the left flank. Looking to play ball constantly and broke away dangerously on some occasions buts beat twice as two balls were delivered, one which Pearce rescued and the other which the post rescued. His attacking class was worth the nerves at the other end though as he flew forward and tucked away Ireland’s second with sheer class. Got bumped up to an eight in the dying moments with an outrageously good free kick into the top left. Reeled away like it was nothing.
Anthony Pilkington 8
Are you Robbie Keane in disguise? What a finish. What a finish. Involved in the build-up and sped through on the end of the first goal with the coolest of finishes. Lit the place up in the second half. Everything good for Ireland was going through him as he tore down the right wing, taking on men, creating chances and bringing the crowd to their feet. Put one on a plate for Murphy too. Was man of the match for the 64 minutes he was involved.
David Meyler 5
Allowed Quinn the freedom of the pitch to go and explore as he anchored the ship. At fault for the first goal though as his clearance was intercepted in the middle and Ireland were left outnumbered. Steady enough but quiet by the stand-in captain.
Stephen Quinn 7
Found a lot of space in the middle of the field in the first period and tried to dictate the play like the Irish public have been crying out for. Buzzed around playing through balls, running at the opposition and trying to create men over but his influence waned after the break. Great burst near the end to draw the free that made it four.
Anthony Stokes 5
Game and robust but unsure if he was to be on the wing or in attack. In the end he was caught between the both to little effect. Did feed Robbie Brady a couple of forceful through balls but not a great night.
Daryl Murphy 6
Might’ve scored in the first half if it wasn’t for a superb, point-black stop from Hamid to stop the hosts going two up. Had another miss after the break after a great Pilkington cross but the slightest of touches from an American saw Murphy turn it wide at the back post. Lively but frustrated.
David McGoldrick 8
Took all of eight minutes to announce his arrival on the international scene with the most exquisite, classiest, most perfect of through balls to set up Anthony Pilkington. Time and time again was outlet for his midfield, help the ball up well and, oh, claimed another sublime assist when he flicked through for Brady to finish. Came off to a massive applause.
Substitutes
Aiden McGeady 6
Replaced Stokes to a rapturous reception on the hour mark. Looked lively from the get-go. Produced an electric run that had Timmy Chandler spread on toast.
James McClean 7
Replaced Pilkington and enjoyed the space that the tiring opposition were offering. Produced one mazy run on the left with a piece of real trickery that we didn’t know he had. Interesting. Went on to score with the help of a deflection but wasn’t looking to come on and do nothing. Heavily involved.
Shane Long 6
Got to work straight away, using his speed and energy to upset a shaky USA defence and drilled a zipping ball across the box that was almost turned in, twice. Showed ridiculous, frightening, Bale-esque pace on the left to round the full back and drive in at goal from where he hit the post agonisingly.
Jeff Hendrick 5
Unlucky not to score when he headed just past the far post from a Robbie Hume cross.
Rob Elliott 5
Had nothing to do.
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