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22nd June 2016
09:50pm BST

Brought the Stade Pierre-Mauroy to its feet with a rasper of a left-footed strike that looked bound for the top corner. Inches are an exaggeration. It was centimeters. Everything he did was right. Again. Everything he did was threatening, Again. There's an exciting period in Irish football ahead with him and Brady running the show. He is blossoming.
James McCarthy – 8.5
There'd be no falling asleep on Wednesday night. McCarthy was given the task of holding the middle of the park on his own and he did it like his life depended on it. Strong in the tackle, quick in possession, sharp across the ground. Just like the Germany game, he thrived in the absence of Whelan.
https://twitter.com/ConanDoherty/status/745716600146395136
Robbie Brady – 9
History. Made.
Showed on Wednesday night that he is going to lead this country for the next seven years at least. Deployed in a middle three, he answered Roy Keane's rallying call and showed balls - and loads of it. He went hunting for possession, his second touch was always looking to take on a man, looking to get forward and he influenced the game in an electrifying way. His performance from open play was so good that we don't even need to mention his set pieces.
And that goal.
Shane Long – 7
Couldn't move without an Italian arm wrapped around him but he moved nonetheless. Started on the right hand side before going into the centre to lead the line for the last 20 minutes. Wasn't given anything to chase over the top again but he worried the opposition
Daryl Murphy – 7
Drew the best from stand-in Salvatore Sirigu in the first half with a powering header. Led the line with aggression and purpose. Put himself about, chased back with vigour and gave 70 minutes of sweat and bruises for the cause.
James McClean – 9
Denied a stonewall penalty, ran at the Italians with menace and purpose, hit blue shirts for all his worth. Deployed on the left of a front three and he was never more involved in a football match.
Subs
Aiden McGeady – 7
Jinked, jived, whipped in crosses and had an effort himself. Tried to affect the play in a positive way.
Wes Hoolahan – 8
Missed a sitter. Set up the winner. An introduction at the right time. A beautiful introduction. A historic introduction.
Stephen Quinn – 6
Saw it home.

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