Republic of Ireland 1 Georgia 0.
Ireland produced their best performance for a long time on Tuesday night, recording a well-earned win over an opponent that have caused them trouble in the past.
Conor Hourihane’s brilliant free-kick after 36 minutes was enough to give Mick McCarthy’s team the win and six points from two games in the Euro 2020 qualifiers.
BANG! 💥
What a strike from @ConorHourihane! Ireland lead! (1-0)#COYBIG #IRLGEO 🇮🇪🇬🇪pic.twitter.com/GPeFxlHL3F
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) March 26, 2019
But that didn’t tell the full story of the night. Ireland were organised, aggressive and constructive, and nothing like the team that looked so lost a few months ago.
Who knew that coaching them and giving them clear instructions would make a difference?
Here is how we rated the players:
Darren Randolph – 7.5
The Middlesbrough goalkeeper has been in impressive form this season, registering 16 clean sheets, and he was on hand to spare Ireland embarrassment on Saturday. Randolph made a vital stop to prevent Gibraltar from taking the lead and then played a part in Ireland’s goal with an accurate pass to start the move.
Against Georgia on Tuesday night, he once again bailed Ireland out with a brilliant reaction save before half-time. One of Ireland’s most reliable players.
Seamus Coleman – 7.5
The Ireland captain, starting ahead of the in-form Matt Doherty, had a very good game. In the first half, he pushed forward and got to the by-line for a cross on a few occasions. He was up and down the right flank all evening and won his personal duel against the Georgia winger.
Shane Duffy – 7.5
After sitting out training on Monday, the Brighton defender started against Georgia and was at hand to repel most of what the opposition threw at Ireland, getting his body in the way several times.
More impressively though, Duffy never hoofed the ball away, as he did so much under the previous regime. When the pass was there to make it into midfield, he would. If he had to get rid of the ball, he would. A mature performance from the Derryman.
Richard Keogh – 7
The Derby defender has been solid in appearances for Ireland, and on the night when he earned his 22nd cap, Keogh was dependable when called upon, making his fair share of clearances and blocks. Crucially, like his defensive partner, he never aimlessly hoofed the ball away and passed into midfield.
Enda Stevens – 7
After an uncertain display against Georgia, Stevens was given the benefit of the doubt at left-back and was better tonight. The Sheffield United full-back was solid defensively and got forward more as the game progressed.
Glenn Whelan – 8
Whelan might not be a fan favourite, but the Aston Villa midfielder is in good form at club level and warranted a start to earn his 86th cap. The Dubliner enabled his midfield partners to push on by shielding the defence and keeping it simple in possession.
So much of his good work appears to be overlooked and he doesn’t deserve the stick that comes his way from many fans. Whelan didn’t put a foot wrong against Georgia and provided the base for a very encouraging team display.
Jeff Hendrick – 7.5
The Burnley midfielder scored a much-needed goal against Gibraltar on Saturday, his second goal in 45 appearances, and has been tasked with finding the net more often by McCarthy.
While he didn’t find the net against Georgia, it wasn’t through a lack of effort. Hendrick got into the box at every opportunity and linked very well with David McGoldrick, who created space for Ireland’s midfielders by drifting wide.
Hendrick could be one of the main beneficiaries of McCarthy’s appointment. At one point in the first half, he collected the ball in the centre circle under pressure from two Georgian midfielders, spun away from them and played the ball into McGoldrick’s feet. That just wasn’t happening under the previous manager, and Hendrick looks ready to become a key cog in Ireland’s engine room.
Conor Hourihane – 8
Probably Ireland’s best player on Saturday, the Cork-native carried his form into the Georga game. Hourihane opened the scoring with a beautiful free-kick from the edge of the box. The Villa midfielder is a dead-ball specialist and has scored goals like this one at club level this season.
None of them would have tasted as sweet as this strike, however.
Ireland lead 1-0 😍#IRLGEO #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/YYq13eloEI
— RTÉ 2FM (@RTE2fm) March 26, 2019
In addition to his wonderful free-kick, Hourihane impressed in midfield, always available for a pass and constructive in possession.
On the evidence of the past two games, he has the potential to become a big player for McCarthy, despite only having 10 caps so far. Georgia never really got to grips with his excellent deliveries.
Robbie Brady – 7
Brought into the team to replace Doherty, the Burnley winger was lively throughout. Brady drifted in off the left-wing and caused trouble to the Georgian defence, linking well with Hendrick and McGoldrick. He also worked his socks off when Ireland were out of possession. He has not featured too often at club level recently, so it wasn’t a surprise to see him taken off as he had faded slightly after the break.
James McClean – 6
After an underwhelming outing against Gibraltar, and a poor season at club level, McClean was given a start against Georgia. He worked hard, as ever, but he was often out of position and some of his crosses and passes were overhit. He did, however, almost set-up McGoldrick with a pass over the top in the second half. Needlessly lost possession in stoppage time.
David McGoldrick – 9
Playing as a lone striker, the Sheffield United forward was very impressive. His close control was excellent and his movement off the ball caused problems for the Georgian defenders. While McGoldrick doesn’t have the pace to outrun defenders, his runs into the channels opened up space for his teammates to run into and was clearly something McCarthy and his coaches had worked on.
The only thing missing from his night was a goal. He received a standing ovation when coming off and fully deserved it.
Subs.
Aidan O’Brien & Matt Doherty – 6.
Both worked hard and helped Ireland see out the win.
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