Ireland Ratings: Kelleher Saves, Szmodics & Ferguson Score

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Post on Nov 15, 2024

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Ireland Ratings: Kelleher Saves, Szmodics & Willo Score

Ireland secured a vital 3-2 victory over Latvia in their Euro 2024 qualifier, a match brimming with drama and excitement. While the final scoreline reflects a hard-fought win, the performance itself offered a mixed bag of brilliance and nervy moments. Let's delve into the individual player ratings, highlighting key contributions and areas for improvement.

Goalkeeper: Gavin Bazunu (7/10)

Bazunu, while not directly involved in the goals conceded, displayed solid command of his area and made a couple of crucial interventions, preventing Latvia from gaining a foothold in the game. His distribution was largely accurate, contributing positively to Ireland’s attacking play. While not spectacular, his performance was dependable and exactly what Ireland needed.

Defenders:

• Matt Doherty (6.5/10): Offered attacking impetus down the right flank, delivering some dangerous crosses into the box. However, defensively, he looked slightly exposed at times, requiring more concentration in tracking back.

• John Egan (7/10): A rock at the heart of the defense, Egan’s strength and aerial prowess were vital in neutralizing Latvia’s aerial threats. His leadership was also evident, organizing the backline effectively.

• Nathan Collins (6/10): A mixed performance from Collins. He showed flashes of brilliance with some well-timed tackles, but also made a couple of rash challenges that could have easily resulted in penalties. Consistency is key for his continued development.

• James McClean (7/10): McClean offered tireless energy and defensive solidarity down the left flank. He tracked back diligently, supporting his defensive colleagues and contributing to the overall defensive solidity.

Midfielders:

• Josh Cullen (7/10): Controlled the midfield effectively, breaking up play and initiating attacks. His passing accuracy was high, providing a crucial link between defense and attack.

• Jayson Molumby (6.5/10): Molumby put in a solid shift, contributing both defensively and offensively. While not always elegant, his determination and work rate were undeniable, making him a valuable asset to the team.

Forwards:

• Chiedozie Ogbene (6/10): Worked tirelessly up front but lacked the clinical edge in front of goal. His pace and direct running caused problems for the Latvian defense but he needs to improve his finishing.

• Will Keane (8/10): A standout performance from Keane. He was a constant threat, holding the ball up well, bringing others into play, and ultimately scoring a crucial goal. His overall play was pivotal in the team's victory.

• Michael Obafemi (6.5/10): A lively performance from Obafemi. His movement caused problems, and he showed glimpses of his potential, but needs to be more decisive in the final third.

Substitutes:

• Willo (7.5/10): Coming on as a substitute, Willo displayed an immediate impact, scoring a vital goal and adding a fresh impetus to the attack. His introduction proved to be a game-changer.

• Callum O'Dowda (6/10): Added some much-needed energy and width to the team, providing valuable support.

• Festy Ebosele (N/A): Not enough time to make a significant impact.

Man of the Match: Will Keane (8/10)

While Caoimhin Kelleher deserves credit for his saves, Will Keane’s overall performance, including his crucial goal, edges him out for the Man of the Match award.

Conclusion: A hard-fought victory

Ireland’s victory against Latvia was a hard-fought one, showcasing both their attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities. The team needs to continue to improve their consistency, particularly in the defensive phase, but the win provides a much-needed boost in their Euro 2024 qualification campaign. The performances of Will Keane and Willo were undoubtedly highlights, demonstrating the squad's depth and ability to impact games from the bench. The continued development and refinement of these players will be key to Ireland’s future success.