It seems the Republic of Ireland were denied revenge over Scotland as their hopes of Euro 2016 qualification suffered a fresh blow in Dublin, thanks to John O’Shea’s unfortunate own goal.
Ireland were leading through Jon Walters’ close-range 38th-minute strike, but Shaun Maloney’s deflected shot off John O’Shea put the Scots back into the match with ended with a 1-1 draw.
And as it stands, the Scottish team are second in Group D table with 11 points while Ireland trail in fourth with nine.
And here’s how the key players shaped the game at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin.
The best ones…
Jon Walters
Walters took the game to the Scots from the off and was rewarded with the sixth goal of his senior international career, although got the benefit of a debatable offside decision.
The Stoke striker stabbed home from close range after keeper David Marshall had blocked Daryl Murphy’s 38th-minute header with his legs as the visitors appealed in vain for an offside flag.
Watching Ireland, desperate for a goal, with Jon Walters leading the line. Ouch.
— Bowlesy (@BowlesyM) June 13, 2015
Robbie Brady
Possibly the man of the moment, Brady excelled once again from left-back, creating most of Ireland’s better opportunities with a series of inviting crosses, the best of which prompted the Daryl Murphy header from which Jon Walters scored.
wouldn't mind signing Robbie Brady like #NUFC #McClaren
— Gale (@LeeGale_) June 13, 2015
David Marshall
The Cardiff keeper (who has developed into the number one choice for Gordon Strachan) made a key save after Scotland had levelled to help the visitors to a point.
Marshall kept out the impressive Daryl Murphy’s 49th-minute effort as the Republic, for whom Robbie Keane came on as a substitute at the end of a difficult week, responded.
49' | Great save by David Marshall to keep Murphy out | #IRLSCO 1-1
— Scotland (@ScottishFA) June 13, 2015
The worst ones…
Seamus Coleman
The Everton defender found himself in space down the right on several occasions, but was guilty of repeatedly picking out the keeper or a defender, with his crosses and had problems with substitute Ikechi Anya after the break.
Does seamus coleman ever look up before crossing #pickapass #IREvSCO
— malcolm bulled (@mallybulled) June 13, 2015
Craig Forsyth
Forsyth was something of a surprise inclusion at left-back for his first competitive game.
The Derby County player had a nervy game, especially in the first-half, with some improvement after the break.
Craig Forsyth 🙈 thanks but no thanks…!! ðŸ‘ðŸ»âœŠðŸ»
— Ross Allum (@RossAllum) June 13, 2015
Scott Brown
The Scotland and Celtic captain has enjoyed a fine season, adding composure to his drive and determination, but he too was out of touch with even the most basic passes going astray at times.
Brown was rarely seem for most of the first 45 minutes, being swamped by the likes of McCarthy, Hoolahan and Whelan.
Handbags in the middle of park. Scott Brown in stuck in the middle of it. In other news, grass is green and the sky is blue…etc.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) June 13, 2015
Source: SNAPPA
