2024 European Qualifying Group B: Greece 2 Republic of Ireland 1
THE Republic of Ireland’s chances of qualifying for the Euro 2024 finals in Germany next summer suffered a hammer blow as they fell to a much slicker Greece side in Athens tonight.
Two opening defeats - to France and now Greece - could have drastic consequences for the Irish as they now prepare for Monday night's home tie with Group B minnows Gibraltar. It would take a remarkable recovery from Stephen Kenny's men to get back into contention, especially with France and Holland in the group.
A 15th minute penalty from home captain and man-of-the-match Tasos Bakasetas – after Callum O’Dowda handled in the area – put the Greeks one up but the visitors found themselves level just 12 minutes later after Nathan Collins scored from close range.
Initially ruled off-side, VAR came to Collins and Ireland’s rescue but it was an equaliser the Irish barely deserved. Four minutes after the restart, Giorgos Masouras curled home what turned out to be the winning goal.
Collins went close to equalising with a stunning drive that was well saved before Matt Doherty was sent off in stoppage-time to compound a miserable night for Ireland.
The defeat brings Ireland’s competitive record under Kenny to four wins in 23 games. It’s a long way back for the Dubliner after a tepid display that lacked coherence and energy.
PLAYER RATINGS
Gavin Bazunu: The Southampton stopper made two early unorthodox but smart saves to keep the Greeks at bay. Had to be mindful of some long-range rockets. No chance of saving Bakasetas’s penalty. Good display. 7
Matt Doherty: Part of a defensive low block, made a couple of decent incisions in the first half, but hit too many straight balls down the flanks that came to nothing. Lack of game-time at club level was glaring in the second half. Late red summed his night up. 3
Callum O’Dowda: VAR rightly ruled his hand-ball a penalty and was done for Greece’s second goal. Looked every bit a converted full-back. A lot of stressful moments and was eventually subbed. 3
Nathan Collins: The Wolves central defender showed a striker’s instinct to equalise at the back post after VAR eventually ruled him on-side. Made some strong interceptions and was unlucky with a second-half pile-driver. Leadership was in short supply but Collins showed some. 7
John Egan: John Egan didn’t need a centre half either side of him. A flat back four was better suited to containing the Greek system and helping Ireland's attack. 5
Darragh Lenhihan: Not his fault but there really was no need for a third centre back on the field as Ireland had three players marking one central striker. Replaced late in the game but it should have been much, much earlier. 4
Josh Cullen: A most subdued display from one of the better performers during Stephen Kenny’s reign. Never got to knit Ireland’s play and never got close enough to Greece captain Tasos Bakasetas who was the best player on the field. 3
Jayson Molumby: Didn’t seem to be able to raise a gallop, didn’t impact the game in any meaningful way. Too passive. 3
Will Smallbone: Some sympathy for Smallbone in his first competitive start because, tactically, he was caught between two stools. Ireland’s system was wrong from the outset and the on-loan Stoke City man paid the price. Inexperience at this level didn’t help him either. 3
Evan Ferguson: Busted a gut for most of the night, one speculative effort from a long way out. No service. 5
Adam Idah: Didn’t do enough with the limited supply that came into him, but should have parked himself on Kostas Tsimikas to stop his raids from left back. Withdrawn at the break. 3
Subs:
Mikey Johnston: Had a full half to make a dent in the Greek defence and was unable to do so. 4
Jason Knight: Virtually anonymous on his arrival on 54 minutes. 3
James McClean: Tenacious and improved Ireland’s chances, but was caught out defensively that almost led to a third goal. 5
Michael Obafemi: Should have started against the Greeks. One decent dribble but wasn’t given enough time. 5
Troy Parrott: Not on long enough to be rated.
