Caoimhín Kelleher – 6
Stood up to the test well in the early stages with his goal under siege. Was beaten by a cruel deflection for the first goal but was culpable for the demoralising second when he tried to play a pass that wasn’t on.
Dara O’Shea – 6
A defiant presence in Ireland’s early rearguard action, making a pair of big interceptions. Let the Greeks know he was there with some no-nonsense defending.
Nathan Collins – 7
Made a brave early block as Greece piled on the pressure. Was unlucky to be caught out of position for the goal, with his interception breaking into Greece’s path. Continued to battle hard late on.
Liam Scales – 7
Got himself in the way for two crucial early blocks as Greece pushed for the opener. A big tackle just before half-time stopped a bright Greece move at source. Unlucky that Bakasetas’ shot deflected off him into the net.
Robbie Brady – 6
Used his body effectively to hold Masouras off under a dangerous cross in the first half. One or two of his set-pieces weren’t up to his usual high standards, while Greece also had some joy down his flank.
Josh Cullen – 6
Was over-run at times with Greece breaking through the middle at will, and didn’t get much of a chance to leave an attacking imprint on the game. Whipped a good cross into Taylor for one of our best chances.
Jason Knight – 6
Ran himself into the ground with typical resilience, covering back for a pivotal early block. Went through the wars to win some hard-earned frees.
Chiedozie Ogbene – 6
Was overzealous at times, giving away frees, but it was part of a tireless defensive shift. Didn’t get many opportunities to attack and was subbed early.
Troy Parrott – 6
Grafted hard in the face of limited service, holding the ball up well at times. Fed off scraps effectively and was Ireland’s most willing outlet in the early stages, but his influence waned late on.
Sammie Szmodics – 5
Similar outing to the Finland game where he never really got to the pitch of it. Doesn’t seem to be at all comfortable on the left wing.
Evan Ferguson – 6
Eyes lit up as he latched onto a defensive error after four minutes only to be put off by a physical challenge from Lazaros Rota. May have had a penalty in that instance but never got into the game in the aftermath and was subbed before the hour.
Substitutes – 7
Festy Ebosele (56) and Jack Taylor (56) were the first men in, contributing instantly to Ireland’s best spell of the game with Mikey Johnston (75) and Jayson Molumby (75) also looking lively. Kasey McAteer (82) won a corner but didn’t have enough time to make an impact.
Manager – 6
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s changes gave Ireland impetus as they chased down an equaliser, but unfortunately, it never came. Will be hugely disappointed with the second goal as needless errors continue to cost the team.