Gary Connaughton reporting from Tallaght Stadium
In a fixture that Ireland would have hoped for three points, they will come away from Tallaght Stadium known things could have gone worse against Slovakia.
Katie McCabe's stunning goal rescued a 1-1 draw in the game, with both sides having chances to win it late on. In the end it was probably a fair result, even Vera Pauw's side will have some regrets tonight.
Here's how we rated the performances on the night.
Ireland Player Ratings
Courtney Brosnan - 6
Didn't have a whole lot to do in the opening half, but did comfortably make the couple of routine saves she was asked to.
There was very little she could do about the Slovakian goal, but she would pull off a brilliant save to keep the game level in the 73rd minute. Luckily, Quinn would spare her blushes after an error in the second half.
Niamh Fahey - 7
Playing on the right of the back three, Fahey dealt well with any questions asked of her. Her comfort on the ball was also a massive plus, especially when attempting to bypass the Slovakian press.
A good showing at the back, having been unable to do much about the Slovakian goal.
Louise Quinn - 8
An absolute rock in defence, Louise Quinn immediately dealt with any ball that came into her vicinity in the opening half. Her ability in the air is remarkable, forcing an excellent save from the Slovakian goalkeeper in the 39th minute.
Her goal line clearance to keep the game level 15 minutes from fulltime was nothing sort of spectacular, scrambling back to turn the ball away for a corner.
Louise Quinn will be top of Courtney Brosnan's Christmas card list after that goal-line clearance saved the goalkeeper's blushes#rtesoccer #IRLSVK
📺https://t.co/2W5kFtUgZE
📻https://t.co/QHSJNYlfx8
📱https://t.co/vFciaNF7Xg pic.twitter.com/4Ifwn9md6o— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 25, 2021
Savannah McCarthy - 6
McCarthy did well in the first half, but should have done much more for the Slovakian opener. Her failure to close down out wide meant it was a simple cross to set up the goal.
She was beaten on a couple of other occasions, although McCarthy did do her bit at the back as McCabe pushed forward in the second half.
Aine O'Gorman - 6
O'Gorman worked hard down the right, although she couldn't quite provide the penetration needed at times. Despite this, she defended well when called upon and certainly contributed.
Replaced by Ruesha Littlejohn with 20 minutes to play.
Katie McCabe - 9
Operating at wingback, McCabe provided the early bright spark for Ireland. The Slovakians seemed unsure as to how to deal with her down that flank, although Ireland did not get the Arsenal player involved enough in the first 45 minutes.
McCabe was by far the best player on the pitch, with her delivery and playmaking exemplary throughout. Her class was on full show for the equaliser, producing a beautiful finish on the run into the far corner.
She will rue that her crosses were not more often met with a teammate on the other end, putting in some brilliant balls late on as Ireland pushed for the winner.
GET IN!
Katie McCabe equalises
The Arsenal star plays a captain's role, running on to Denise O'Sullivan's pass and drilling a low shot across the Slovakia goalkeeper#rtesoccer #IRLSVK
📺https://t.co/2W5kFtUgZE
📻https://t.co/QHSJNYlfx8
📱https://t.co/vFciaNF7Xg pic.twitter.com/PmX1olnrFq— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 25, 2021
Jamie Finn - 6
Finn worked tirelessly in midfield throughout, but not a whole lot seemed to come off for her in possession. Despite this, it was a solid showing off the ball especially in the second half.
Megan Connolly - 7
Connolly broke up the play well in the middle third on a number of occasions, picking out some beautiful passes after winning possession.
She came very close to scoring Ireland's first goal of the game just before the hour mark, but her long range effort was touched just beyond the post by the opposition goalkeeper.
Denise O'Sullivan - 8
Looked lively right from the off, producing some beautiful touches around the Slovakian penalty area. However, Ireland largely failed to retain possession up the pitch enough to bring her into the game.
That changed a bit in the second half, with O'Sullivan providing the assist for McCabe's equaliser with a gorgeous ball in behind.
Lucy Quinn - 6
Had a very quiet opening half an hour or so, although Quinn would come very close to opening the scoring only for her glancing header to drop into the hands of the Slovakian goalkeeper. That helped her grow into the game a bit, having a couple more shots on goal.
She was replaced by Kyra Carusa for the closing stages.
Heather Payne - 7
Payne was a tireless runner up front, constantly offering an option for the forward pass by running down the channels. She also hassled and harried the Slovakians out of possession.
While she would have little joy in the penalty area, it was a strong overall showing from the Florida based forward.
Substitutions
Ruesha Littlejohn - 7
Littlejohn added a bit more composure in midfield after coming on, although Ireland couldn't really capitalise on that further up the pitch.
It was a strong performance and you'd wonder why she perhaps wasn't introduced a little bit earlier in the game.
Kyra Carusa - N/A
Not on long enough to rate.
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