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Moldova vs. Ireland: Player Ratings

Ireland had a nervy period during their game against Moldova, but eventually came through to get ...



Moldova vs. Ireland: Player Ra...
Soccer

Moldova vs. Ireland: Player Ratings

Ireland had a nervy period during their game against Moldova, but eventually came through to get the three points. 

An early goal from Shane Long was equalised right before the half-time break, but James McClean was on hand to get a brace and see Ireland over the line. Martin O'Neill's side now sit alongside Serbia at the top of the group with seven points, but how did they get on in the Stadionul Zimbru on Sunday?

Starters

Darren Randolph: Didn't have much to do other than take kick-outs and pick the ball out of his net. Not really at fault for the goal, it was a good finish. (7)

Seamus Coleman: Solid at the back. Overlapped in attack whenever possible. Led by example. (8)

Ciaran Clark: Had very little to do other than watch Moldova score. (6)

Shane Duffy: Was at fault for the goal. Tried to make amends by sneaking into the opposition box in the second half a few times.  (5)

Stephen Ward: Full of running early on. Overlapped nicely at times. Fairly anonymous in the second half. (6)

Glenn Whelan: Did what he does best. Protected the back four and let the other midfielders get forward. Hit a few "range-finders" over the bar. (7)

James McCarthy: Fairly anonymous. Replaced by Meyler in the second half. (6)

James McClean: Worked as hard as anybody on the pitch. Should have crossed at the end of the first half instead of shooting. Took his goals well. (9)

Jonathan Walters: Industrious as ever. Kept his head until the end of the game after one late tackle too many. (7)

Wes Hoolahan: Energetic and inventive, the diminutive midfielder was a pleasure to watch. Pulled the strings when they needed pulling (8)

Shane Long: Took his goal nicely and broke his duck. Full of energy until an injury forced his withdrawal. (7) 

Substitutes:

Callum O'Dowda (on for Long): Played well when he came on. It could be a coincidence that both goals were scored after he came on, maybe it wasn't. 

David Meyler (on for McCarthy): Carried on from McCarthy. (6)

Eunan O'Kane (on for Hoolahan): Not on long enough for a rating.

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