David Forde: 6 — Dictated a lot of Ireland’s play by pinging direct balls towards Long. Alert to cut out Swedish danger, particularly when diving at the feet of Larsson. Could do nothing to stop Elmander’s header but will be disappointed to concede to Svensson at his near post.
Seamus Coleman: 6 — Covered well in behind central pairing on a couple of occasions in the first half. Encouragingly spent most of the game on the front foot, but didn’t carve out too many clear-cut chances.
Richard Dunne: 5 — Played the full 90 minutes on his first competitive outing since Euro 2012. Didn’t always look his most comfortable against Ibrahimovic and picked up booking when the striker proved too tricky.
John O’Shea: 5 — A half-step off the pace for both Swedish goals, giving Larsson and Ibrahimovic space to play vital passes. Himself and Dunne never really got a handle on Ibrahimovic and allowed him too much influence.
Marc Wilson: 6 — Always wanted to get forward and linked well with McClean in the first half. Kept close tabs on Larsson for the most part.
Glenn Whelan: 5 — Always expected to be the more defensive midfielder but failed to properly limit Ibrahimovic when he dropped deep. Tracked Svensson for Sweden’s winner but then seemed to give up the ghost just as his man pulled the trigger.
James McCarthy: 5 — Never lacking in effort, particularly when it came to working back. Long-ball tactics meant that he was not as involved in the second half, exactly when Ireland needed him most.
Jon Walters: 5 — Never had any real impact in first half and drifted in off right wing to try to get more involved. Failed to spot Larsson’s run for great Swedish chance minutes before equaliser. Played more centrally in second half but an easy target for first substitution.
James McClean: 7 — Ireland’s best performer and completely justified Trapattoni’s faith in him. His adventure down the left created most of Ireland’s best chances and a looping cross dropped onto Isaksson’s bar. His constant battling exemplified by great sliding tackle on Lustig early in second half.
Shane Long: 6 — A nuisance to Sweden’s shaky back four, particularly Antonsson, and grew into the game. Asked to compete for Forde’s long balls and won more than his fair share of headers. Will regret taking extra touch when Keane unmarked in front of goal in the second half.
Robbie Keane: 7 – International goal number 60 brought the Aviva Stadium to its feet. Typically dogged from the Irish captain, pouncing on weak header and refusing to give up until ball was over the line. Few other clear chances.
Substitutes
Simon Cox (for Walters, 68’): Never really got into the game.
Anthony Pilkington (for McClean, 74’): Got just over 15 minutes on his international debut. Looked anxious to impress but little real impact. Better to judge him on another day.
What do you think?
