Player Ratings

SHAY GIVENWill be disappointed with his attempt at preventing the opening goal, even though slightly wrong-footed. Could have done nothing about the second but seemed slow to react to the third. 6

JOHN O’SHEA

Lost track of Perisic too often and pulled out of one tackle that led to the winger testing Given . Wasn’t close enough for the third goal either when his man provided the cross. Offered little going forward. 6

RICHARD DUNNE

Played with fire with the ball at his feet but we criticise when they hoof it. Got typically vital blocks in on Jelavic and Mandzukic but struggled with two imposing, technically gifted frontmen at times. 6

SEAN ST LEDGER

Took his goal beautifully and was calm for such a big occasion early on. Cracks began to appear in the defence as they got pulled out of position, though he might take comfort from his personal effort. 7

STEPHEN WARD

Was having a decent game until directing that ball into the path of Jelavic for the second. He was also unfortunate when the cross for the first goal came off his back and made its way to Mandzukic. 6

DAMIEN DUFF

Passes didn’t stick and, as he often does, lacked composure when lining up a shot. Improved when Ireland chased the game and delivered some crosses that were there to be attacked. 6

KEITH ANDREWS

Busy as ever and endeavoured to marshal the midfield but he and Whelan were outfoxed by Modric. Was influential in the second half, but wasteful with a number of headers and shots. 7

GLEN WHELAN

Was Ireland’s best passer in the first half according to the stats but rarely quick enough or in the space to deliver ones that mattered. Struggled to pin down Modric. Will have to exert greater influence. 6

AIDAN McGEADY

Delivered a lovely ball for St Ledger’s equaliser and was unlucky not to be through on goal when Whelan missed the opportunity, but he didn’t get on the ball enough. 6

KEVIN DOYLE

Won free-kicks aplenty but has nothing like the energy of Walters at the moment and appears to be lacking the confidence to back himself as well. Needed a goal but it never looked like coming. 5

ROBBIE KEANE

Should have had a penalty but that was probably the height of it. The captain is rarely subbed but this time it was a fair call. Lacks a little of the sharpness of old. May not make 90 minutes in this finals. 6

SUBSTITUTES

Jonathan Walters has to start against Spain. Everything stuck to him and he brought his team-mates into play brilliantly. Simon Cox looked a little lost on the ball at times on the right wing but showed fight, Shane Long has the right mix of anger and confidence to put Keane under pressure.

MANAGER WATCH

Mercifully made changes early. Might have replaced Duff instead of McGeady but it was a close call, while bringing Cox on to the left wing instead of McClean or Hunt was a strange decision.