Ireland player ratings: How the Girls in Green fared in defeat to Sweden

Courtney Brosnan – 5

Dithered on a first-half back pass but Asslani couldn’t profit; produced a wonderful save but competence undone by statuesque reaction to decisive Swedish corner.

Jessica Ziu – 8

Another stirring display from versatile Dubliner and demonstrated that she can play in a number of roles for this team; her early incision produced caution for Eriksson, switched sides in the second-half and went box to box too.

Caitlin Hayes – 7

Late block may have proved even more crucial had her side managed to hold on to their share of the spoils; didn’t get as much profit from her arrowed deliveries into the channels this time around.

Louise Quinn – 4

Had suffered a few uncomfortable episodes, particularly when done by Rolfo, before she felt a tightness after stretching to deny Kosovare Asslani and manager confirmed she was withdrawn for “fatigue” reasons.

Aoife Mannion – 6

One of several players who had to save her captain’s blushes over the course of this double header after the latter’s defensive error in the first-half; did well after surprise omission and even managed to get forward before the Swedish goal.

Katie McCabe – 4

The captaincy conundrum is that the Arsenal star can provide a moment of world-class in a second but her physical struggles over 180 minutes in five days rendered that an impossibility; now also suspended for England clash.

Megan Connolly – 6

Volleyed effort midway through the first-half was struck sweetly but off target; the fulcrum of Ireland’s defensive midfield, she filled most of the gaps Sweden sought to exploit; her passing still a weakness but set-pieces always a threat.

Ruesha Littlejohn – 5

Shadowed Asslani for much of the hour or so she was on the field and, although negligible as an attacking force, that was not her remit; she was a better option than Stapleton to start and justified her return.

Lily Agg – 5

Enjoyed some late runs into the box as the game took an age to establish any pattern of play; could have deflected Connolly’s volley if a little more aware.

Leanne Kiernan – 5

Came in for Barrett and forged some driving runs down the right-hand side, suffering a bloody nose and a rake down the back of her Achilles for her troubles, but role as withdrawn striker meant much of her best work was done far from goal.

Kyra Carusa – 5

Back to the lone striker role after the rarity of some company last Friday night; caught offside too many times which is a cardinal sin on nights like these, especially as there was room behind the hosts’ defence; wasted a couple of attacking opportunities with poor final ball.

Substitutes

Anna Patten – 4

Dropped after she was somehow blamed for having to cover an entire left side of defence last Friday; came in for Louise Quinn at the end of the first-half but still commits too many simple errors.

Abbie Larkin – 4

Came on to add some legs and did a lot of running; couldn’t remain possession enough, however, and was caught out for the eventual Swedish corner.

Jessie Stapleton – 4

Continues to learn in an unforgiving environment and the worth of these harsh experiences will be felt in the next campaign.

Amber Barrett – not on long enough to rate.