Several Everton players are away on international duty this month.
Everton defenders Jake O’Brien and Seamus Coleman were in action for the Republic of Ireland against Portugal last night.
Ireland suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat as Ruben Neves scored a stoppage-time winner, leaving them bottom of Group F.
Here’s how Ireland’s national media rated O’Brien and Coleman’s performances away in Portugal.
Republic of Ireland defender Jake O'Brien.
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
Ireland kept Portugal quiet for the majority of the World Cup qualifier, and O’Brien certainly played his part in the resilient defensive performance.
Here’s what RTE had to say.
8/10 – “On the right of the back three between Coleman and Collins, the Everton defender was attentive in his task of keeping Portugal’s creative talents quiet in the first half.
“Did find himself in an unfamiliar left wing position on 38 minutes as Ireland tried to build what looked like an initially promising counter-attack.
“Held his own before Ireland succumbed to the late, late dagger to the heart.”
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Balls.ie added.
7/10 – “Jake O’Brien played some decent passes in the opening half and was given a bit more licence to go forward than the other centre backs. He also did his bit off the ball with some excellent clearances.
The Irish Times gave their verdict.
8/10- “In what was a performance based on the collective more than anything else, O’Brien epitomised Ireland’s game with a selfless and abrasive display at the heart of the defence. He was strong and uncompromising. Used his strength to nudge Bernardo Silva off the ball early on and shrugged off a penalty claim soon after from a Fernandes dive. Authoritative throughout.”
Irish Mirror said.
8/10 – “Played his part in a huge defensive performance.”
“A solid display by the Everton defender, who found himself on the left-wing at one stage. Part of one of the great Irish defensive displays and named RTE’s man of the match.”
Coleman played 86 minutes against Portugal, and the national media were really impressed with his performance.
RTE said.
8/10 – “Back in the side but not with the armband, the Everton club captain’s brief was to bring some much-needed leadership from right wing-back.
“While not the rampaging over-lapping force of his peak years, the veteran showed vision on the half-hour mark with a superb pass over the top towards Chiedozie Ogbene that only failed to find its mark because of a deft intercept from Ruben Dias.
“Defensively, helped keep Ireland’s shape largely intact for the first hour even with pacey players like Chelsea winger Neto and Paris Saint-Germain left back Nuno Mendes threatening on his side.
“Rafael Leao’s entrance on that flank with half an hour to go would be another challenge to deal with.
“But deal with it he did and should earn plenty of plaudits for his showing after lasting 85 minutes.”
Balls.ie added.
9/10 – “Making his first international appearance in over a year, Coleman was absolutely immense in the first half in Lisbon. He defended brilliantly while also launching a number of Ireland counterattacks.
“The Everton man was immense in the second half again, even if he tired slightly in the closing stages. He showed that he still has a huge amount to offer at international level.”
The Irish Times commented.
7/10 – “On what was his 37th birthday, Coleman returned to the Ireland team and delivered another influential and calming display. The Killybegs man might be approaching the latter days of his career but he showed in Portugal he still has a role to play in this Ireland team.”