After a truly dreadful collective display in the first half, Ireland improved considerably to see off Georgia at the Aviva Stadium.
Martin O'Neill's men defended far more capably in the second stanza, with captain Séamus Coleman producing a moment of - we don't know, vigilance? - to ultimately win the game and claim three points for Ireland. And while the tempo slowed considerably after the goal, chances were still far more plentiful during the second half for a then-Coleman inspired Irish side, with Jon Walters and Shane Long growing more influential as Georgian legs grew weary.
Still, it was a far from impressive display overall, and the boys in green will need to improve drastically if they are to take points off Wales and Austria.
Here's how we rated the Irish performances:
Darren Randolph: 6.5
Made a couple of standard saves. Was beaten twice within the same move only to see the ball rebound off the post (not much he could have done about either incident).
Séamus Coleman (c): 8
Our Lord and Saviour Séamus Coleman, or Lionel Mossy as he'll henceforth be known. After a ropey first half, became the leader on a night in which we lacked it around the park, and scored his first international goal in extraordinary circumstances to give his side the win. He just wouldn't be denied, and Ireland needed that on a night blighted by uncertainty in possession. A towering defensive header in the 92nd minute epitomised his display.
Ciaran Clark: 7
Quietly effective, particularly in the second half when he seemed to carry his club form into the green jersey, making a number of headed clearances. In possession, however, he was poor, aimlessly punting the ball forward at every opportunity. Given what's gone before, you can't hold him personally responsible for that approach.
Shane Duffy: 7
Looked that bit more composed in possession than his partner at the heart of Ireland's defence. Again, did what was asked of him as Georgia swung balls in from either wing. Very fortunate not to lose several points for these antics.
James McCarthy: 5
An incident in the 28th minute might have transpired to be the defining memory of his evening, as he carelessly lost possession with a laboured pass before immediately chopping down the Georgian recipient for a foul. Not match fit. Not his best game. Perhaps not his fault. Provided a rare burst forward before slowing down considerably in the second half following Ireland's goal, either by design or otherwise.
Shane Long: 6
Was arguably the worst player on the park in the first half, despite his best efforts. His link up play improved considerably in the second half when Ireland were pushed further up the park. Almost created a second goal with a cushioned header across the Georgian six-yard box.
Robbie Brady: 5.5
Threw himself around in midfield more so than in Serbia, but again failed to properly impose himself on proceedings. Was badly concussed following Long's aforementioned cushion header, but is thankfully now conscious and responsive. Will have many better nights for Ireland.
James McClean: 6
Busy but largely ineffective, running into a number of cul de sacs. Improved in the last quarter as Georgian legs tired, and terribly unfortunate not to add to Ireland's lead as he thundered a header off the crossbar from a lovely Walters cross, and earlier had a goal correctly ruled out for offside, but a generally wasteful performance by the popular Derry man.
Jeff Hendrick: 7
One of the only Irish players to attempt to take the game by the scruff of the neck in the first half, with one notable 35th minute burst through midfield resulting in James McClean running into a Georgian defender. Offered a presence in midfield after Ireland scored, pressing at every opportunity. Will miss Moldova due to suspension, but fast becoming one of the first names on O'Neill's team sheet.
Stephen Ward: 6.5
Defended very well but was extremely sloppy in possession. Dealt well with Georgian pressure down Ireland's left, and you no longer have to worry about him holding down the left-back slot - which allows Robbie Brady into midfield. Where once he bordered on joke figure status in the Ireland squad, Ward hasn't looked back since Germany.
Jon Walters: 6.5
Despite losing possession quite frequently, produced some moments of real quality as Ireland broke, keeping several moves alive where they would have broken down in head-banging circumstances an hour previous. Should have added a second from Shane Long's header across goal.
Substitutes
Glenn Whelan: 6
Replaced the injured Brady and made some useful midfield challenges as Ireland looked to stick following Coleman's goal. Largely failed to get on the ball.
