Gary Connaughton reporting from Tallaght Stadium
It just wasn't to be.
Ireland dominated the ball in their game against Iceland, but two goals from the opposition (including one in stoppage time) condemned them to defeat in Tallaght.
It is a result which acts as a massive blow to our qualification hopes and you certainly get the sense it was an opportunity missed. Here's how we rated the performances on the day.
Ireland Player Ratings
Ed McGinty - 7
Had a difficult start to game after losing his footing and nearly conceding a penalty inside the first two minutes and was being targeted by Iceland, who loaded the six yard box for corners and long throw-ins.
He dealt with it however, and was left stranded for Iceland's opener. Made a big save in the second half to keep the deficit at 1-0 and Ireland in the game. Also pulled off a stunning stop to keep Ireland on level terms late on. Could do nothing to stop the late winner.
Lee O'Connor - 6
Hit a huge amount of crosses into the box early on in the game, with Ireland clearly identifying a weakness ahead of the game.
He was a constant threat on that right wing, even if things didn't always come off for him.
Nathan Collins - 7
Collins was coolness personified in possession and dealt well with any questions he was asked in the opening half. He was brilliant snuffing out any Iceland attacks before they could really get started.
He was also more than willing to bring the ball into midfield, playing incisive forward passes throughout the game. A strong performance despite conceding two goals.
Conor Masterson - 6
Masterson had very little to do in the first 45 minutes, but he probably should have done more to track the runner for Iceland's goal.
That was his only defensive lapse, with the QPR defender decent both in the air and on the ground.
Liam Scales - 6
Scales was asked few questions defensively in the first half, but didn't get forward with the same regularity as O'Connor on the other wing.
The Shamrock Rovers man defended well throughout, but the late goal did come down the left side.
Conor Coventry - 7
Coventry was brilliant at breaking up the play in midfield, popping up wit key tackles and interceptions before keeping the ball moving at pace.
You would have liked to see a bit more from him during the periods Ireland dominated the ball, but he carried out his role well.
Jack Taylor - 6
Produced a driving run from midfield early in the game, beating a number of opposition defenders and showing what a threat he can be when running from deep. Unfortunately, we didn't see that as much as we would have liked.
He was tidy on the ball throughout and picked some lovely passes. Certainly an interesting prospect in midfield.
Connor Ronan - 6
Was eye in advancing the ball up the pitch, continually filling the gaps between the midfield and forward line. Showed some nice touches and looked most likely to create something in the opening half.
Seemed to push higher up the pitch after the interval and looked promising. He had one effort that looked destined for the bottom corner but was scooped away by a defender. It was a surprise to see him replaced as Ireland chased a goal in the final 20 minutes.
Anthony Scully - 5
Had the ball in the net after only three minutes but the goal was rightly ruled out for offside. The debutant linked the play well down the left flank but did lack a penetrative threat in behind.
It was a tough task with a deep lying Iceland defence, but he would be sacrificed at halftime for Troy Parrott.
Michael Obafemi - 5
Constantly looked to get in behind early, having a good opportunity to put Ireland ahead around the ten minute mark. However, his touch did let him down, especially when laying the ball off to others. Iceland's goal came after a sloppy touch from the striker.
His ability to stretch the defence seemed to fade as the game went on. You were expecting him to burst into life, but it wasn't his afternoon. Replaced by Kayode after 73 minutes.
Zach Elbouzedi - 6
Wasn't really in the game in the first half, with the vast majority of Ireland's play coming down the other wing.
Swapped to the right after the introduction of Parrott but still couldn't influence the buildup play in the way he would have hoped for. However, he did have the tendency to get on the end of attacks, forcing a couple of saves from the opposition goalkeeper.
Substitutes
Troy Parrott - 6
After coming on at halftime, he made his intent immediately known by driving at the Icelandic defence. Parrott had a shoot on sight policy, with a couple of efforts whistling just beyond the post.
He was the one forcing the issue in the closing stages, but unfortunately could not find the breakthrough.
Joshua Kayode - 6
Had an immediate impact after his introduction, with a driving run and shot forcing the Icelandic defender to turn it into his own net for the leveller.
He was a threat after coming on and did not give a moment of piece to the opposition.
75: GOAL!
IRELAND U21s 1-1 Iceland U21s
Ireland equalise as Joshua Kayode's shot deflects off Iceland defender Ari Leifsson and into the net.
It's LIVE now on eir sport 2! #IRLU21 #U21EURO pic.twitter.com/9tvQdwdh7L— eir Sport (@eirSport) November 15, 2020
Daniel Mandriou - 5
Introduced alongside Kayode, the Bohemians man did not impact the game on the ball.
Danny Grant & Thomas O'Connor - N/A
Not on long enough to rate.
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