Ten years on from Niigata and Ibaraki and Suwon (and whisper it, Saipan) we’re back in a major finals. Here’s the player ratings from a party night in the Aviva.
By Niall Delaney
Shay Given: Solid again. What is left to be said about the Lifford legend, only that we are blessed to have Shay between the sticks? Was obviously badly at fault for the goal. But you would rather him drop a ricket in a game like this, than in a game where that hangs in the balance. 6
John O’Shea: As long as he stays injury free JOSH will start Euro 2012 as our first choice right back. Much more comfortable than Stephen Kelly on the ball and few go past him. 7
Sean St Ledger: Another solid performance belying his status as a run of the mill championship player. A firm Trap favourite and it’s hard to seeing him losing his place unless Denis O’Brien can shell out on a time machine for a Mr. P McGrath. 7.5
Richard Dunne: Ireland’s most impressive performer over the qualifying games. Not unduly worried tonight, but he was up against a pub team frontline who scored from a speculative long ranger. 7.5
Stephen Ward: Impressive again, has given us a new attacking dimension from left back. Bigger defensive tests will come however. 7.5
Damien Duff: Ireland’s best player by far and this was his best game for a long time. Very clever in possession and offered pace and purpose as he attacked the ham fisted Estonian back line at will. 9
Keith Andrews: Has shown up well over the two legs and has raised his game big-time. Every now and again Andrews steps up and when he does he is more than useful. 7.5
Glenn Whelan: The most remarkable thing about Whelan is that he has grown a complete moustache, given that he rarely completes anything, in particular a pass. With regards to our central midfield partnership, I think Kelly Clarkson put it best in her “Already Gone” hit, with the immortal lyric “Someones gotta go.” Someone does, for me it’s Whelan. 6.5
Stephen Hunt: A wild performance from the Wolves man. Gave the ball away continuously and didn’t get at either full back. McGeady will retain his place as he is technically in a different league to Hunt. Impact sub role still a good option, but he is not a starter. 5
Kevin Doyle: Looked sharp and back to his link-up-man best. Will never be prolific because his whole game is about running the channels so well and making opportunities for others. Doyle’s first touch is up there with the best and all in all, it was a welcome return to the team and he ran Duff close for Man of the Match. Still, faces tough competition for a starting position next summer. 8.5
Robbie Keane: Not Robbie’s best game to be honest. Missed a glorious opportunity in the first five minutes and struggled to recover from it. The LA Galaxy striker used the ball well at times but that was far from the danger zone. Still our main man, though, and even if he lies down in a darkened room from now until June with only Claudine and an Xbox for company, he’d still be the first name down on Trap’s team sheet. 6
Aiden McGeady: Great half hour cameo. He’s so talented, but yet still frustrating. He can scare defenders though and that will come in very handy in Poland and Ukraine. 7.5
Simox Cox: Did not see much ball.
Keith Fahey: Not on long enough to be rated
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