Gibraltar 0-4 Ireland
Ireland needed a response to the woeful performance against Greece on Friday, and while tonight's opposition was incredibly poor, it was a solid performance from Stephen Kenny's side.
They absolutely dominated every facet of the game and probably should have scored more than the four goals that they managed.
Here's how we rated the performances on the night.
Ireland player ratings vs Gibraltar
Gavin Bazunu - 6
Bazunu had one of the quietest nights imaginable, with his only contribution being cleaning up one or two balls into the penalty area over the course of the full 90 minutes.
Matt Doherty - 8
Doherty needed to be far more involved in the attack tonight, something you suspected he would be considering the level of opposition. He showed us a glimpse of that inside the first ten minutes, setting up Evan Ferguson's opener with a well placed cross. He would also provide the assist for Johnston's second.
The Wolves man got a goal of his own around the hour mark, holding off the opposition defender to finish well from close range.
Shane Duffy - 6
Shane Duffy had very little defending to do in the first half, although his passing out from the back did leave a bit to be desired at times. He also missed a golden opportunity to score at the other end of the pitch.
Duffy continued to look dangerous in the opposition box after the interval, missing a couple more excellent chances.
Liam Scales - 6
The Celtic man looked good on the ball in Faro, admittedly under absolutely no pressure from the opposition.
In terms of defending, one or two set-pieces aside, he had very little to do.
Ryan Manning - 8
Making his first competitive start in almost three years, Manning looked good on the ball at the back, albeit often under little pressure. He had quite a few opportunities to deliver the ball into the area from set-pieces, with his deliveries being somewhat of a mixed bag.
He would grow into the game as it went on, controlling the pace of play in the second half. The Galway man certainly comfortable on the ball, something that has often been lacking for Ireland in this position.
Josh Cullen - 7
Cullen was keen to play the ball forward in the opening half of this game, something that has not often been the case during this qualifying campaign.
The Burnley man did not have to much on the defensive side of the ball, although he did press well on a few occasions. It was a positive performance.
Jason Knight - 7
Knight squandered a golden counterattack opportunity for Ireland in the early stages, pointing towards his struggles on the ball during recent internationals. He made a number of forward runs but often found it difficult to find space in the final third.
He worked his socks off, but things just did not fall for him in and around the box. That was unfortunate considering that he otherwise played well.
Jamie McGrath - 7
McGrath got on quite a bit of possession the first half, looking to get forward whenever given the opportunity.
His assist for Matt Doherty's goal was a stunner, pulling out an audacious flick to direct the ball towards his teammate. He would provide another assist for Callum Robinson later in the game, capping off a good performance.
Chiedozie Ogbene - 6
Ogbene was double-teamed every time he got the ball down the right flank, not quite getting the support from his teammates that you would expect at times. When Doherty did overlap, it caused major problems for Gibraltar.
The winger tried to do a bit too much at times, slowing the play down and looking to beat a number of men instead of taking the more straightforward option. He never really got going in the manner we have come to expect from him.
Mikey Johnston - 8
Making his first start for Ireland, Johnston looked to attack at pace whenever he got on the ball. He was rewarded for this with a goal just before the half hour mark. although there was a hint of fortune after his initial shot hit off the post only to then rebound off him into the net.
The Celtic man brought plenty of excitement whenever he got on the ball, jinking in and out through the opposition defence. On another night, he might have had a couple more goals before coming off in the 65th minute.
Evan Ferguson - 7
Ferguson showed his class inside the opening ten minutes of the game, finishing off a Matt Doherty cross with ease to give Ireland an early lead. Service was otherwise lacking in the first half.
He was more involved in the second half, laying off some nice balls for his teammates. Replaced with 25 minutes to go and the game won.
Substitutes
Adam Idah - 6
Idah had a couple of half chances after his introduction, neither of which threatened the goalkeeper.
Callum Robinson - 7
Showed some nice touches around the box and took his header well after coming on.
Dara O'Shea - 6
Had nothing to do after his introduction at the back.
Jayson Molumby - 7
Molumby looked to get the ball forward after coming on, producing a couple of impressive forward runs.
Mark Sykes - N/A
Not on long enough to rate.
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