A largely inexperienced Ireland side performed more than admirably at the LKS Stadium, as they held Ukraine to a 1-1 draw.
Stephen Kenny, who needed a continuation from the side's fine performance against Scotland, will feel much vindication in his international vision.
Dara O’Shea, Josh Cullen, Jason Knight and Nathan Collins all supplying impressive performances, with the latter supplying a goal for the ages.
Wow, wow, wow ??
Nathan Collins with one of the best goals you're likely to see ??#COYBIG | #WeAreOne | #UKRIRL pic.twitter.com/39znkbyWN9
— FAIreland ⚽️?? (@FAIreland) June 14, 2022
The 21-year-old Burnley centre-half weaved his way through three defenders before firing past stranded goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.
It was a goal that was well deserved, as Kenny's men held their own in front of 10,641 in the Polish city of Lodz.
FT | Ukraine 1-1 Ireland
We leave Poland with a point thanks to a stunning Nathan Collins goal. ?#COYBIG | #WeAreOne | #UKRIRL pic.twitter.com/1qJrRUbcy4
— FAIreland ⚽️?? (@FAIreland) June 14, 2022
Kenny was forced into changes at the back and front, with John Egan, Shane Duffy and Michael Obafemi unavailable.
This meant starts for O’Shea, Darragh Lenihan - who made his competitive debut - and, for the first time since September 2019, Scott Hogan.
Kenny was extremely proud of the performance: "I thought the attitude of the players was terrific," he said.
"They really gave everything of themselves.
"The back three were really excellent - having never played together before.
"It was relatively inexperienced, but they gave us a good platform to perform."
"It's a relatively-inexperienced team but you wouldn't have thought that with the level of performance..."
Disappointed not to win, but delighted with the players, Stephen Kenny post-match thoughts ?#COYBIG | #WeAreOne | #UKRIRL pic.twitter.com/sdA8btccO9
— FAIreland ⚽️?? (@FAIreland) June 14, 2022
