An experimental Ireland side were comfortably beaten by an experienced Mexico team who arrived in a mood to please their many fans backed into Giants stadium on Thursday night.
Those who stayed up to watch the match saw a bright start by the boys in green who briefly looked like they were ready to put a shift in at a location that has such a significant place in our sporting history, but soon it became clear that there was a gulf in class between the two sides.
With Ireland playing 3-5-2, there was confusion and chaos as Mexico attacked in waves, playing quick, snappy football and constantly threatening the three centre-backs with balls played in behind.
The second half was a bit better, especially when Wes Hoolahan and Eunan O'Kane came on and tried to stop panic-hoofing every time we were in possession, and another sub in Stephen Gleeson took his goal well, but El Tri were well worth their win in the end with the final score of 3-1 being kind to Martin O'Neill's men.
Ireland vs Mexico player ratings:
Darren Randolph - 5
Nothing he could do about the goals, and actually made a great save just before the third, seemed unfazed by being called 'PUTO' by 50,000 Mexicans every time he kicked the ball. Which was a lot.
Cyrus Christie - 7
Ireland's best performer on the night by a mile. Christie was the only one who attacked with purpose, often on his own, and we wouldn't be surprised to see Derby field a few calls from the likes of Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Tigres after a bright performance.
Shane Duffy - 5
A mixed bag from the Brighton & Hove Albion man who will test himself in the Premier League next season. Full commitment as always but a few too many sloppy moments in possession hurt his rating.
Richard Keogh - 4
Not his best performance in an Irish jersey and struggled to keep up with Mexico's pacey attackers. Slow to react for the goals, he was shifted to right-back in the second half and it didn't suit him.
John Egan - 4
More a victim of the strange tactical setup, Egan looked lost at times and while he made a few good interventions, he was caught out for the first goal and Duffy had to cover on too many occasions.
Conor Hourihane - 5
A five for effort alone as he was killed by not having another recognised central midfielder alongside him. Tasked with tracking unrelenting runs from midfield, he was combative but wasteful on the rare occasion he did get possession.
Callum O'Dowda - 5
Again deployed in a role you wouldn't say suits him best, O'Dowda did have flashes of effectiveness with his direct running and carved out one excellent chance for himself with 10 minutes to play.
Daryl Horgan - 4
As strange as it sounds, this was an encouraging four from Horgan. He has that bit of creativity and speed-of-thought that we badly need more of, but the end product was very poor on the night. Looked off the tempo of the game in a central role, which is understandable to a degree, but there's more to come.
James McClean - 5
Gave away a needless penalty for tackle on Carlos Vela on 24th minute before getting up and rightfully roaring at his centre-backs who were caught out badly. Played most of the game at left-back which should probably not happen more often.
Daryl Murphy - 4
Unlucky not to connect with McGoldrick cross after five minutes, unfortunately that was pretty much the end of the service he would receive. Some decent flick-ons, but chasing shadows for the majority of his time on the pitch.
David McGoldrick - 4
Looked comfortable on the ball when he saw it, but that wasn't often enough and while he's a tidy footballer his goal threat is pretty much nonexistent, and that's a luxury this team can't afford with so few goals elsewhere. Could have scored late on but missed his chance.
Eunan O'Kane - 6
The second friendly in a row where his insertion into the team has offered stability and purpose, his natural business seems to sharpen those around him. Probably deserves more time on the pitch in the near future.
Wes Hoolahan - 6
Along with O'Kane, Wes being on the pitch saw us actually try to play football, and he became a threat where there was none for the previous hour.
Kevin Long - 5
Very little to report as Mexico eased up for the final 20 minutes, but seemed to do fine when needed. Great for him to make his Ireland debut.
Alan Browne - 5
Another good story who didn't have much of a chance to make an impact.
Stephen Gleeson - 7
Can't give him anything less than a 7 for taking his goal well, fair play to him. Became a quiz question answer for years to come with that moment.
