It’s two defeats in two for the new man, Heimir Hallgrimsson, and n’er a goal to keep the fans warm in either game.
The first half provided plenty of reason for optimism, but the display after the break was sobering to say the least for the beleaguered Irish crowd.
Here’s how it looked from the cheap seats…
Kevin Kelleher – 6
The Liverpool man may be in the process of making the No1 jersey his own at international level. Got down smartly – low to his right – to turn away a 25th-minute freekick. Looked slightly flat-footed for Ioannidis’ curler just after half-time. Could do little about the second.
Andrew Omobamidele – 5
Was caught a bit cold early on as Greece’s Liverpool full-back Kostas Tsimikas caused some problems in the opening minutes. Picked up a yellow card just after the half-hour mark for a tug on Christos Tzolis’ shirt. Got clattered by Tsimikas in the second half after a brave clearing tackle and was later replaced.
Dara O’Shea – 5
Ran the ball into trouble for no reason in 25th minute, which led to a Greece freekick in a dangerous position which Kelleher eventually dealt with. Backed off Ioannidis to allow him space to curl in his wonderful opening goal. Later coughed up possession again that forced Knight into conceding another freekick 25 yards from goal. Missed a late Greek cross that almost made it 2-0.
Nathan Collins (C) – 7
The undoubted leader of the Irish backline and a threat at every setpiece up the other end – if a little heavyhanded at times. Couldn’t put out every fire, however. With O’Shea, allowed Ioannidis the freedom of Lansdowne Road for Greece’s first goal.
Robbie Brady – 6.5
Struggled to impose himself early and possibly lucky to avoid a yellow card in the first half. Picked out Collins from a deep setpiece late in the opening half that led to a Szmodics chance – although the referee penalised Collins for a foul as he rose to head across goal. Brady’s deliveries from dead-balls were consistently solid all evening. Many question his credentials for a starting spot but, in the end, this was a relatively creditable display for the veteran wingman.
Alan Browne – 6
Was heavily involved in the first half and had arguably Ireland’s two best chances but couldn’t find the target either time. Probably slightly lucky to play the full 90 ahead of Molumby and Knight.
Will Smallbone – 7.5
Irish fans have been waiting for a creative midfielder to emerge in recent seasons and Smallbone remains the great white hope. Along with Szmodics, he was behind a lot of what Ireland did well in attack in the first half. One clever slide-rule pass into Browne midway through the first half almost put the cap on Ireland’s best passage of play to that point. Picked up the dreaded player of the match award from the sponsor after yet another Ireland defeat – an accolade that is fast becoming the Irish equivalent of the Sports Illustrated cover jinx.
Jayson Molumby – 7
One raking ball out wide to Ogbene stirred the crowd in the first half. Tidy on the ball, shows flashes of real vision. Generally has his eyes up looking forward when in possession and isn’t afraid to try find space in behind the opposition defence. Unlucky to be the first man hooked, Ireland missed him when he came off.
Jason Knight – 6
Formed a nice attacking triangle with Molumby and Smallbone in behind Szmodics at times. Had a decent headed chance to make it 1-1 but didn’t get a good connection from Ogbene’s cross. Booked in second half for arguing over a freekick he conceded. Replaced.
Asked Ogbene – 7.5
Took a few nervy minutes to settle into his defensive duties but, as has become expected from the Ipswich winger, provided energy, pace and general divilment going forward. Cruelly had an absolute pearler of a left-footed volley ruled out for offside in the 41st minute and moments later combined brilliantly with Smallbone down the right to set up Browne who lifted his effort over the bar. Replaced.
Sam Szmodics – 7
Looks like he can be dangerous. One ambitious effort on the half-volley as he tried to lob Vlachodimos from 40 yards may not have troubled the keeper a whole lot, but it at least showed a willingness to try the audacious. Had half a chance with his head as the final quarter hour loomed but couldn’t direct it on target. Replaced.
Substitutes
Evan Ferguson – 5 (for Molumby 63min)
Played the last half an hour and looked like a man badly in need of time on the pitch. Needs match sharpness.
Kasey McAteer – 7 (for Knight 73min)
Replaced Knight and took up station around the left wing as Ireland went in search of a much-needed equaliser. Lovely reverse pass played Brady in to set up Smallbone but the goal didn’t follow. Then helped set up Robinson’s 84th-minute chance.
Matt Doherty – 6 (for Omobamidele 73min)
Slotted in for Omobamidele for the last 20 or minutes of play and at least showed some of the energy he appeared to lack against England on Saturday – initially anyway. Lost Tzolis for the killer second goal.
Callum Robinson – 6 (for Ogbene 83min)
Almost scored with his first involvement when his deflected effort looped agonisingly wide of the Greek goal.
Adam Idah – 5 (for Szmodics 83min)
Came in for criticism after a muted display against England. Didn’t get much on an opportunity to make amends here.
