David Forde 7 - Wasn’t tested much in the first half but was once again commanding when called upon. Unsighted for the goal and taken off with 16 minutes to play.
Paul McShane 5 - Shaky start and looked nervous with the ball at his feet throughout. Had a header just off target early on.
Sean St Ledger 6 – Good block on David Villa to get his body in the way in the 19th minute and had the ball in the back of the net but it was ruled out for offside.
Darren O’Dea 5 - Had been having a decent game but heavy touch gifted the ball to Arbeloa who flicked on for Soldado in the run-up to the goal and unable to get near Mata for second.
Stephen Kelly 6 – The Reading defender did okay and headed the ball off the crossbar before Cox was called offside.
Jeff Hendrick 5 – Couldn’t get near the Spanish midfield but sat behind the ball when he had to with McCarthy on his first senior start. Substituted at half-time.
James McCarthy 6 – Clearance off the line in first half. Quiet start but and didn’t have his best game in an Ireland shirt against admittedly first class opposition.
Seamus Coleman 7 – His confidence was evidently high and ent by Jordi Alba with a drop of the shoulder 11 minutes in. Put in a good shift.
Andy Keogh 6 – Decent delivery for the corner which McShane headed over and worked hard before being subbed for McClean.
Robbie Keane 4 – After five goals in his last two games, the skipper was anonymous in the first half and got taken off after 57 minutes.
Conor Sammon 5- Unable to use his physical presence to win many headers. Stole the ball from Pique for Ireland’s best chance of the first half but his finish was poor. Did nutmeg Jordi Alba though.
Substitutes
Stephen Quinn 6 - Got in Spanish faces and looked composed when he was given the chance on the ball.
Simon Cox 5 – Unable to make an impact and caught Busquets to earn a yellow. Also caught in an offside position for Ireland’s disallowed goal.
James McClean 5 – Was prevented a goal by Iker Casillas’ super save.
Darren Randolph 6 – Good save from Cazorla after coming on as a late substitute. Couldn’t stop Mata, however.
David Meyler – Not on long enough.
Damien Delaney - Not on long enough.
