Ireland 0-2 Wales
Eoin Harrington reporting from Tallaght Stadium
Ireland were dealt something of a reality check on Tuesday night, as Wales claimed a deserved 2-0 victory at the newly revamped Tallaght Stadium.
Eileen Gleeson's side came into Tuesday's game off the back of an encouraging draw away to Italy on Friday, one which Katie McCabe said had shown that the Girls in Green were ready to mix it with the best in Europe.
With the new north stand open there was a record Tallaght crowd of 8,218 in attendance, though the performance on the night from Ireland was not befitting of the occasion.
Though Ireland improved after switching to a more familiar 3-5-2 in the second half, Wales' two-goal cushion never felt hugely in threat.
It was a night to forget for many Irish players, with only a small selection of positives to take from the defeat.
READ HERE: Katie McCabe Had Hilarious Response To Question About Eileen Gleeson Appointment
READ HERE: “I Was Ready For It”: Jess Ziu On Return To Ireland Squad After 17 Months
Ireland v Wales: Player ratings as WNT return to Tallaght
Courtney Brosnan - 6
Usually so commanding in her area but Wales' first goal was the second time in three games that an opponent has scored after a penalty area mix-up involving Brosnan.
Aside from that slight error, Brosnan was strong in the first half, coming out well to stifle a Welsh break in the 25th minute. Took a knock in the second period and was not tested after the break.
Katie McCabe - 6
McCabe had much more agency to push up the pitch than she did on Friday, and was stronger in possession. Some great moments of skill in the first half, though she struggled to find runners in behind.
Went off with a knock just after 70 minutes. Despite some quieter performances in this window, Ireland fans will hope it is not a serious injury with EURO 2025 qualifiers to come in April.
Diane Caldwell - 5
Came into the team in a late change for Niamh Fahey, and seemed nervy in the first half. She let the ball zip across the goal dangerously after six minutes, and seemed to struggle with tracking runners in the first half.
Took a knock just before the break and was replaced by Quinn for the second-half.
Caitlin Hayes - 7
On a night where Ireland struggled defensively, Hayes was assured once again.
The Celtic defender dealt with several dangerous Welsh crosses in the opening stages and almost scored with a great header in the 16th minute. Unphased throughout, the strongest defensive player in the team and one of the few Irish players to put in an impressive performance.
Heather Payne - 5
27 February 2024; Lily Woodham of Wales in action against Heather Payne of Republic of Ireland during the international women's friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Wales at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
An industrious presence as always but Payne struggled to hold onto the ball in the early stages. Her covering work was strong when Wales counter-attacked. However, she struggled when Wales attempted to build down the right and was bailed out by Hayes on more than one occasion.
More assured when she was able to push up to a more advanced position as right wing-back when Ireland switched to a three at the back after the break.
After struggling early on, she was threatening going forward in the closing stages - but continued to find difficulty in breaking out of her own defensive third.
Megan Connolly - 5.5
Was positive on the ball in the opening phases but her passing play became sloppier as the first half progressed.
A strong defensive presence and shielded well but found herself under repeated pressure near her own box.
Dropped back into defence in the second period to take the left centre-back position of the back three as Gleeson attempted to respond to Wales' dominance.
Jessie Stapleton - 5.5
A quieter presence alongside Connolly, though she played some nice through balls late in the first half. Similarly to Payne, she was bailed out by Hayes defensively on more than one occasion.
Grew into the game somewhat in the second half, pushing up the pitch more to get on the ball more.
Leanne Kiernan - 6
27 February 2024; Josie Green of Wales is tackled by Leanne Kiernan of Republic of Ireland during the international women's friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Wales at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
First start since the Zambia friendly in June last year.
She was central to much of Ireland's attacking play, as McCabe and Barrett both sought to find her regularly during the opening period. Made strong runs but struggled to make much of the possession she had. Snatched at a golden scoring opportunity just before the break.
Taken off at half-time.
Ruesha Littlejohn - 6.5
A bright spark in Ireland's limited first-half attacking play, she was vocal and dictated the tempo in slower phases of play. The eagerness of her teammates to find her when Ireland broke out in attack was telling.
Several positive through balls in the opening third of the game. Her attacking influence dwindled, however, when she dropped deeper as part of Ireland's move to a more familiar 3-5-2.
Jess Ziu - 7
In a change from Friday, much of Ireland's first-half running came down the right-hand side, and Ziu struggled to get on the ball with any regularity early on.
Around the half-hour mark, she was involved in a string of good Ireland breaks, linking up well with Littlejohn, Barrett and Payne, and she began to cause problems late in the first half. Moved into the #10 role when Ireland switched to 3-5-2.
Nonetheless, an encouraging night for Ziu when few others stood out in green.
Amber Barrett - 6
27 February 2024; Amber Barrett of Republic of Ireland in action during the international women's friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Wales at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Her pressure from the front was really strong throughout the first half, forcing errors from Wales keeper Olivia Clark and her defenders.
Impressive hold-up play and she was consistently looking to find teammates in threatening positions. Repeatedly won the ball back high up the pitch.
However, things didn't quite click for Barrett when she got the ball, and she was withdrawn at the break.
Substitutes
Louise Quinn (for Diane Caldwell, h/t) - 6.5
More assured than Caldwell after coming on, Quinn snuffed out several dangerous Welsh crosses early in the second period. Did excellently to stop a quick Wales counter with five minutes left.
Kyra Carusa (for Amber Barrett, h/t) - 5.5
Nearly scored from a corner shortly after coming on and pressed well from the front, though she saw little of the ball. Could have made more of her chance after being sent through on 73 minutes.
Emily Murphy (for Leanne Kiernan, h/t) - 6
Good pace to get in behind but, like Carusa, did not see too much of the ball.
Did well to not only retrieve possession but also create a good chance from a free kick with 15 minutes to go.
Izzy Atkinson (for Katie McCabe, 73') - n/a
Little in the way of meaningful possession for Atkinson after coming on, and much of Wales' attacking play came down the opposite flank in the closing stages.
Lily Agg (for Jessie Stapleton, 88') - n/a
Not on long enough to rate.
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