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Ireland 3-1 New Zealand | Player ratings as three first-time scorers secure win

Three Ireland goals and 18,000 people in attendance, what else could it be but another Ireland in...



Ireland 3-1 New Zealand | Play...
Soccer

Ireland 3-1 New Zealand | Player ratings as three first-time scorers secure win

Three Ireland goals and 18,000 people in attendance, what else could it be but another Ireland international friendly. 

Three first-time goalscorers in the green shirt means it was a positive night for everyone but the FAI's bank balance.

That bank balance could look a lot better though, if Ireland were to beat Denmark and qualify for Euro 2020 in Monday night's crucial game – the game that every player tonight was staking their claim to be involved in.

1. Kieran O'Hara 6

Couldn't do much for the New Zealand goal but should be pleased with a largely positive debut in the most competitive position in this Ireland team. Made a particularly good stop in the second half but also fumbled an easier shot across his six yard box later on.

2. Lee O'Connor 5

One of the few players who looked out of his depth at times but delivered a cross of the highest quality for Ireland's third goal. Was caught out badly when he drifted into the middle and New Zealand got the ball out to his side before crossing the ball in and scoring. The 19-year-old should be happy with an incredible assist on his debut.

4. Kevin Long 6

Mostly quiet night for the Burnley centre-back. Himself and Clark will have been unhappy with their marking in the box for the New Zealand goal but it was O'Connor who sold them down the river by not being on his side.

21. Ciaran Clark 6

A welcome return to the Ireland team for the Newcastle United man. Should be disappointed to concede from a largely unthreatening New Zealand attack but looked comfortable and in control when on the ball.

23. Derrick Williams 6

A slow start to the game, but got the all-important opening goal to save Ireland's blushes before half-time. It was a brilliant leap and header for the goal and the left-back grew into the game alongside Sean Maguire down the channel.

20. Josh Cullen 6

Quiet night in midfield with Jack Byrne dominating possession in the first half. Made a few nice cross field balls and kept the ball moving out wide as required.

17. Jack Byrne 7

Another impressive performance from the PFAI Player of the Year. The Hoops midfielder looked to keep the ball on the ground, and when it was aerial it was nearly always intelligent and pin-point. Was constantly demanding the ball from his teammates, something Ireland have been missing in midfield for years.

8. Alan Browne 6

Made one nice turn and cross into the box in the first half but a mostly quiet night in midfield before being substituted.

10. Robbie Brady 7

Like Ciaran Clark, the most important thing about tonight was getting minutes in the green jersey under his belt. Again showed his importance to Ireland from set-pieces, delivering the perfect corner for Williams' goal in the first-half.

15. Troy Parrott 7

The 17-year-old Tottenham striker was all the talk before the game. "What if he scores a hat trick...", we were told. He didn't, but this was the first of many appearances in a green shirt for the young striker and credit to him he never looked out of place. Passed the ball in the build-up to Maguire's goal and nearly nabbed one for himself in the second half. One to watch for the future – you heard it here first.

7. Sean Maguire 7

Looked short on confidence in the first half, snatching at shots and not getting his head up when on the ball. Two years on from his debut, he took his first Irish goal really well and looked a very different and dangerous player after it. Finally, Ireland might see the Maguire who has done so well at Preston and Cork City in the past.

Subs

12. Callum Robinson 7

Really dangerous when he came on. Brilliant headed goal from O'Connor's pinpoint cross and looked like scoring another but for good goalkeeping.

18. Callum O'Dowda 6

19. Alan Judge 6

16. Mark Travers 6

14. Conor Hourihane 6

22. James Collins 6

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