Euro 2012 Qualifier Player Ratings: Slovenia 0-1 Northern Ireland

Was a spectator for large parts of the game. He was let down by his defenders for the goal and he couldn’t do much to prevent it.

Similar to his partner, had little to do but any danger was dealt with well. He was unable to do anything about the goal as his Jokic should have been the right side of Evans to deal with the threat.

Got forward well and helped the attack. Looked comfortable when defending too.

Controlled Healy and Feeney well had had little to do throughout the game. Cathcart’s cross was excellent and the defender had little time to deal with the impending danger.

Provided a good outlet for the home side with his movement but was thwarted by Cathcart several occasions. He should have tested Taylor more often and his free-kicks were wasteful.

Showed excellent composure in the middle. The majority of Slovenia’s attacks started from Koren and the midfielder showed excellent vision to pick the right pass.

Industrious and helped create attacks but was overshadowed by the performance of Birsa. He appeared flustered by the bullishness of Nigel Worthington’s side.

Was largely anonymous throughout the game. Wasted a decent opportunity towards the end.

He was a threat for the hosts along with Birsa, but his end product was largely ineffective. His inability to finish this evening cost Slovenia dear.

Spurned an excellent chance in the first half by sending a free header straight at Taylor. He provided some incisive passes to the forwards but was unable to cope with the work ethic of the visitors.

Commanded his area well and dealt with the high balls into the box comfortably. His experience once again proves to be a vital asset for Nigel Worthington.

Offered work rate but similar to Davis offered little in attack. In away fixtures he is a good asset to the team but when searching for a win, McAuley may be too defensive minded to create any real openings.

Looked composed with Hughes at the back. Had difficulty in keeping the lively Birsa under control and a striker with a keener eye for goal may have punished the defender. Nevertheless, Baird and Hughes are forming a strong bond in the heart of defence.

Made an excellent block from Koren in the second half. Defended resolutely throughout.

Industrious and offered a more defensive role to the team. His attacking skills appear to be limited but his general work rate and efficiency should result in him retaining his place in the side.

Was a passenger in Northern Ireland’s midfield and contributed little other than the required work rate needed to stifle the home side.

Calmly dealt with any threat which limited the hosts to having the majority of their chances from long range. He looks comfortable alongside Baird which is an encouraging sign for manager Nigel Worthington.

Was largely redundant on the right wing. The midfielder did supply the forwards with a couple of dangerous crosses which should have been pounced on with more conviction.

Looked threatening in the early stages but he quickly subdued and was little threat to Slovenia’s defence. His movement was not sharp enough to dumbfound the opposing defenders, which meant Brecko had a relatively easy night.

Similar to Healy, a quiet performance from the striker. A bright start was encouraging but Nigel OWrthington would not be happy with the way his forward faded from the game. His inability to hold the ball up meant Slovenia were quickly back on the attack.