Sport

Rep of Ireland v Germany ratings

Shane Long was undoubtedly the star man at the Aviva Stadium <br />Picture: PA&nbsp;
Shane Long was undoubtedly the star man at the Aviva Stadium
Picture: PA 
Shane Long was undoubtedly the star man at the Aviva Stadium
Picture: PA 

IRELAND

Shay Given: Stretchered off with a knee injury before half-time. Up to that point, the Lifford man didn’t have a save to make thanks to some heroic defending in front of him. 6

Cyrus Christie: The biggest game of his career. The Derby County player was a classic illustration of a player playing the game and not the occasion. Brilliant display and was close to man-of-the-match. 7

Stephen Ward: A surprise inclusion. The Dubliner hasn’t started a game for Burnley this season, but left his mark on this match by making a last-gasp block to deny Reus. Injury ended his night, but delivered a composed display. 7

John O’Shea: Fantastic block to deny Gundogan’s goalbound effort in the first half and was a pillar in central defence from start to finish. 7

Richard Keogh: Bandaged head before kick-off, the Derby County man came prepared and defended with all he had. Sensed danger on a number of occasions. Positioning excellent from a player that has just eight caps. 7.5

James McCarthy: Harassed the German midfield from start to finish and seemed to revel in the midfield anchor role in Glenn Whelan’s absence. Some of his passes were poor though. 7

Jeff Hendrick: Didn’t see much of the ball in the first hour of the game, but scores high for his disciplined role. 6

Wes Hoolahan: Living proof that small wizards still have a place in the modern game. Again, the 33-year-old was Ireland’s most creative player. He really took the fight to the Germans. Apart from two terrible errors he was close to another man-of-the-match display. 7.5

Jonathan Walters: Gave a typical Jonathan Walters performance. Worked his socks off and retained possession well, particularly late in the game. Arguably Ireland’s best player in this campaign. 7

Daryl Murphy: A big surprise when selected to start ahead of Shane Long, the Ipswich striker had one good chance in the second half before he made way for the Southampton striker. 6  

Robbie Brady: Pushed into a more attacking position and although he gave away possession a couple of times, he kept his composure and offered good protection to Stephen Ward. 6

SUBSTITUTES 

Darren Randolph: The West Ham United ’keeper came in for the injured Given before half-time and made a string of fine saves in the second half. 7

Shane Long: See Star Man 

David Meyler: Protected the left side of Ireland’s defence after Ward went off injured.

GERMANY

Manuel Neuer: Brought the wrong footwear to the party and slipped a few times in the early stages. Not at his best and had no chance of stopping Shane Long’s wonder strike. 5

Matthias Ginter: The Borussia Dortmund defender was preferred to Emre Can at right back. He offered good width throughout but was tentative in the final third. Average display. 5

Jonas Hector: The Cologne defender was much more effective than Ginter. Kept his width and was far more productive in the final third. Got some fine crosses in and never stopped going forward. 7

Jerome Boateng: Didn’t give Daryl Murphy a kick of the ball and showed good recovery on a few occasions. But Long was an entirely different player to handle. Had one good effort saved by Randolph. 6

Mats Hummels: A laid-back kind of defender but was too laid-back last night and only showed urgency when Germany fell behind. Had a couple of sights at goal but no cigar. 6

IIkay Gundogan: Started the game very brightly and was denied a goal by a fantastic block from John O’Shea. Was hustled out of his stride and disappeared from the game. 5

Toni Kroos: A collector’s item from the Real Madrid star when he gave away possession to Walters just before the break. But still the most consistent passer on the field. Moved the ball from side to side but no space to provide the killer pass. 7

Marco Reus: The returning Dortmund attacker runs as if his feet don’t touch the ground. Great to watch. His pace on the counter-attack was always a threat. The Irish defence needed to double up on him. 7

Mesut Ozil: Spurned the best chance of the first half when he side-footed wide of Ireland’s post. Otherwise a lethargic performance and only got going after Ireland scored. Still managed some fine passes. 6

Thomas Muller: Missed a sitter in the second half. Worked hard but couldn’t find space beyond O’Shea and Keogh. 6

Mario Gotze: The Bayern Munich schemer was buzzing around and created a chance for Gundogan but, after tangling with James McCarthy in the corner, didn’t seem to fancy it and came off injured. 6

SUBSTITUTES

Andre Schurrle: Lacks the poise of Gotze and skied a great chance in the early stages of the second half. 5

Karim Bellarabi: Lively down the right side but couldn’t find break down the Irish defence. 6

Kevin Volland: Not on long enough to be rated.

STAR MAN


Shane Long


TWO goalkeepers wouldn’t have stopped his wonder goal. Out-paced the German defence and unleashed an incredible drive. Sainthood awaits.