Everton duo Seamus Coleman and Jake O’Brien were in action for the Republic of Ireland this afternoon as they faced Hungary in a World Cup qualifier.
Ireland defeated Hungary 3-2 in a dramatic clash in Budapest as Troy Parrott completed his hat-trick with a stoppage-time winner.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side had to win to secure a play-off spot, and they did it with virtually the last kick of the game.
Everton defenders Seamus Coleman and Jake O’Brien both started in a back five for the away side, and here’s what the national media had to say about their performances.
Republic of Ireland defender Seamus Coleman vs Hungary.
Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images
Coleman was excellent against Portugal in midweek, and he was back in action to collect his 78th cap against Hungary this afternoon.
Here’s what Balls.ie had to say about the Everton defender’s display.
6/10 – “The Everton man acted as the organiser for Ireland at the back, something that was key in the first half as Hungary dominated possession. He was tenacious at the back, but was replaced with half an hour to go.”
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Sports Joe added.
7/10 – “Showed experience throughout to win fouls and slow down play, but was one of several players who allowed Hungary to come forward too easily down the left for the second goal. Quite the feat at his age and lack of club playing time to play two games in quick succession, so was brought off on the hour.”
O’Brien kept Cristiano Ronaldo quiet on Thursday but he endured a much tougher afternoon against Hungary.
The 24-year-old, who made his 14th appearance for Ireland, endured a pretty shaky 45 minutes and was actually substituted at half-time.
Balls.ie had their say on the Toffees star.
5/10 – “Jake O’Brien looked nervy at times in the first half, taking a couple of poor touches. He was also beaten too easily on a few occasions down that right flank.”
Sports Joe also gave O’Brien a low rating.
5/10 – “Wasn’t too much of a surprise to see him come off at half-time after an under-par opening 45. He lost Lukacs for the big chance that was saved by Kelleher, and missed a good chance at the far post at the other end on the brink of half-time. Manning replacing him for more pace down the left to shift Scales inwards made sense.”