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Donall Farmer/INPHO
out of 10

Player ratings: Here's how the Boys in Green fared against Germany

Ireland snatched a late point against the world champions. Here’s how we scored the Boys in Green.

David Forde — 7: Casual clearance nearly gifted Bellarabi a goal in the first half but was equal to all of Germany’s chances, bar one. Nothing he could have done for Kroos’s goal.

David Meyler — 7: Deputised at right-full again and proved to be a worthy back-up. Draxler got the better of him once or twice but read the game well overall and stuck to his defensive role.

John O’Shea — 7: Ireland’s hero at the death with a dramatic equaliser to mark his 100th cap. Marshalled the under-pressure defence well to limit Germany’s chances, but maybe fortunate not to concede a penalty just before their breakthrough.

Marc Wilson — 6: In the right place to cut out German chances early on but, like his team-mates, couldn’t hold on to possession. Had a half-chance to score from Quinn’s free-kick in the first half but never gambled.

Stephen Ward — 6: Struggled against the pacey Bellarabi early on, and often gave away possession with route one clearances, but never badly exposed.

Aiden McGeady — 6: Given a free role behind Keane in the first half but was isolated in central positions and never really made an impact.

Glenn Whelan — 5: Determined to keep what little possession Ireland had but backwards passes only invited more pressure. Picked up silly booking for foul on Kroos. Taken off injured early in the second half.

Stephen Quinn — 5: German possession game meant that the game often passed him by in the first half. Was the most obvious culprit for Germany’s goal as he backed off to give Kroos far too much space.

James McClean — 7: Worked as hard as any Irish player up and down the line. Final ball wasn’t always perfect but delivered great ball for late Hoolahan chance and was Ireland’s best threat.

Jon Walters — 6: Named on the wing but in reality, spent most of the night as an auxiliary right full.

Robbie Keane — 5: Badly isolated as the lone man in 4-5-1 and only touched the ball five times in the first half (including the tip-off). Subbed off after an hour as Ireland looked to contain.

Substitutes

Jeff Hendrick (for Whelan, 54) — 7: Made the most of his opportunity in the second half and helped establish a solid platform in front of the Irish back four. Did brilliantly to keep Ireland’s final attack alive.

Darron Gibson (for Keane, 62) — 6: Ireland’s midfield was a lot more solid after his introduction.

Wes Hoolahan (for Quinn, 76) — 6: Denied a gilt-edged chance to equalise late on but made amends at the death with the cross that lead to O’Shea’s goal. Evidence to suggest that Ireland could have done with him for longer.

Video: John O’Shea just recreated Robbie Keane’s goal from 2002!

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