Ireland 0-0 Nigeria
Though Ireland's World Cup dream came to an end on Monday with the final Group B game against Nigeria, they would finish the campaign with their first ever point at a major tournament, after a battling draw against Nigeria.
Chances were few and far between, with Katie McCabe going closest for Ireland, and Nigeria hitting the woodwork in the second-half.
The World Cup adventure will live long in the memory and, though Ireland would have loved to take three points away from Monday's encounter, a draw was undoubtedly a result to be proud of.
Ireland player ratings v Nigeria
Courtney Brosnan - 8
31 July 2023; Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan makes a save during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Group B match between Republic of Ireland and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium in Brisbane, Australia. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Wasn't asked to do too much in terms of shot-stopping in the first-half, but was a commanding presence and took control of the box during the first-half.
Strong under the high ball, Brosnan didn't appear particularly threatened before the break, and contributed to the stronger Irish buildup.
Provided a standout moment with her stunning save from Asisat Oshoala early in the second-half. The best individual on the pitch, didn't put a foot (or glove) wrong all game.
Niamh Fahey - 6
Dropped back in the second-half, after consistently finding herself further up the field before the interval. Contributed well to the attacking play down the right-hand flank that served Ireland so well in the first-half.
Was occasionally caught out of position on the break, and misplaced a few passes as the game went on. Nonetheless was strong in the best defensive performance of the World Cup for Ireland.
Louise Quinn - 6.5
Quinn was strong alongside Connolly and Fahey as Ireland held on well in the face of growing Nigerian pressure in the second half.
Was called upon more after the break, and responded well with solid marshalling, though there were a few nervy moments.
Once again, Quinn was the biggest threat at set pieces for Ireland, though Nigeria limited her influence well.
Megan Connolly - 7
31 July 2023; Megan Connolly of Republic of Ireland before the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Group B match between Republic of Ireland and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium in Brisbane, Australia. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Composed and solid, Megan Connolly was at the heart of an improved Irish defensive performance.
Tasked with the daunting prospect of handling Asisat Oshoala, Connolly was strong and marshalled the Nigerian striker well.
Contributed several crucial tackles and interceptions in what was an excellent all round showing.
Heather Payne - 6.5
Ireland got the most joy down the right-hand side during the first-half, and Heather Payne was at the heart of just about everything that went down that flank.
An injury doubt ahead of the game, Payne dispelled any concerns surrounding her fitness with a solid attacking display. She linked up brilliantly with Denise O'Sullivan in the first-half, and created more than one scoring opportunity for Ireland.
Struggled to impact the game as Ireland tired in the second-half. Dropped deeper as Nigeria worked well to cut out her connection with O'Sullivan.
Lily Agg - 6
31 July 2023; Christy Ucheibe of Nigeria in action against Lily Agg of Republic of Ireland during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Group B match between Republic of Ireland and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium in Brisbane, Australia. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Bringing Lily Agg into the side freed Denise O'Sullivan in a more forward role, making Ireland's attacking play far more dynamic and purposeful.
Agg herself struggled to make a direct impact on the game. Though she was part of a strong Irish defensive showing from her role at the base of midfield, Agg lost possession on several occasions, and much of Ireland's buildup play bypassed the midfielder.
Nonetheless, Agg proved her worth with her defensive efforts.
Ruesha Littlejohn - 7
Littlejohn was a solid presence in the Ireland midfield, though she did not find herself in possession quite as often as she might have hoped.
When she did have the ball, she showed good impetus to push Ireland forward, and was the most defensively solid of the Irish midfielders.
An essential cog in the Irish defensive effort, and did not seem to lose energy quite as much as some others in the team as the game progressed. A very solid showing.
Denise O'Sullivan - 7.5
31 July 2023; Denise O'Sullivan of Republic of Ireland in action against Christy Ucheibe of Nigeria during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Group B match between Republic of Ireland and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium in Brisbane, Australia. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Thrived in the more attacking role made possible by Lily Agg's inclusion, and was central to Ireland's buildup in a manner she had struggled to be against Australia and Canada.
Her link-up play with Heather Payne was excellent, and she regularly exposed gaps in behind during the first-half.
She still showed her combative presence, and won back possession on several occasions. The best Irish outfield player on the pitch.
Katie McCabe - 6.5
A slightly less flashy showing from Katie McCabe but she nonetheless remained one of the stronger Irish players in buildup.
She went close to scoring an early opener for the second game in a row when her driven shot went just wide, but her defensive efforts were largely stronger than those going forward.
McCabe didn't quite show the composure on the ball which Ireland appreciated so much in their opening two games, but was still an essential part of the Irish play going forward.
Booked in the second-half.
Sinead Farrelly - 6
31 July 2023; Sinead Farrelly of Republic of Ireland in action against Christy Ucheibe of Nigeria during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Group B match between Republic of Ireland and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium in Brisbane, Australia. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
After showing for the ball consistently in the opening stages, it was a somewhat quiet performance from Farrelly, but any time she did get the ball her passing game was solid.
Struggled to work her way into the Ireland play going forward early on, but did good work defensively and did well with the limited ball she got.
As the game went on, Farrelly's presence was felt more, and her energy in the later stages aided Ireland in holding off a strong Nigerian attack. She forced plenty of turnovers, and lasted much longer than she had in the opening two group games.
Kyra Carusa - 6
Carusa showed good movement but struggled to make the most of the space created by Denise O'Sullivan. She did not find herself on the ball too often, and should have done better when played through by O'Sullivan just after 20 minutes.
Didn't impact the game too much, but did contribute some good pressure high up the pitch.
Substitutes
Abbie Larkin - 5
Not given a huge amount of time to impact the game, and struggled to find her way into possession. A star of the future.
Marissa Sheeva - 5.5
Similar to Larkin, did not find huge opportunities in her limited time, but did put decent pressure on the Nigerian defence down the right flank.
Diane Caldwell - N/A
Only got three minutes, but it was nice to see a stalwart of Irish football get a chance to play World Cup football.
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