Shay Given: Made one decent save in the first half and couldn’t do much about the goals. 6
Cyrus Christie: The worst Irish player on the field — had a nightmare defensively, switching off completely for the second Belarus goal, even if there were one or two encouraging moments going forward. 4
Ciaran Clark: Named man-of-the-match, he looked a threat on attacking set pieces and couldn’t do much to stop either goal. 7
Richard Keogh: Was a bit unlucky with an attempted block for the second Belarus goal and didn’t have much to do otherwise. 6
Stephen Ward: Got forward well at times and took his goal superbly. 7
Darron Gibson: Tried to be Ireland’s main creator, but too often, his ambitious passes failed to find a green shirt. 5
David Meyler: Lost the ball in the lead up to Belarus’ first goal and failed to influence the play enough. 5
Jeff Hendrick: A quiet game for the Derby man — he’s only just back from injury, and it showed. 5
Aiden McGeady: Looked defensively suspect and was wasteful at times, but improved in the second half, producing a superb cross that Murphy should have scored from. 6
James McClean: One of the few Irish players who played with a sense of urgency throughout. 7
Daryl Murphy: Wasted one gilt-edged chance from a McGeady cross early in the second half, and in general looked a striker short on confidence even if he didn’t get much service. 5
Subs: Ireland looked much better when the changes were made, with Shane Long and Wes Hoolahan in particular adding energy and invention to the Irish attack, while Callum O’Dowda and David McGoldrick also had one or two very bright moments. 7
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