Ireland player ratings: Ziu and Connolly the best of the Irish on a tough night at the Aviva

Well beaten for the opening two goals. A rare error on 50 minutes almost cost Ireland but pulled off an impressive stop to deny Fridolina Rolfo moments later. The wait for a clean sheet continues.

Caitlin Hayes 6

Superb goal-saving block from the Celtic defender to prevent Johanna Rytting Kaneryd scoring her second. Contributed some crucial clearances but missed the cross which led to Sweden’s second.

Louise Quinn 6

Another good performance from the Birmingham City centurion. Alert on the ground and in the air to shut off several forays forward but will be disappointed not to have cleared for the second goal.

Anna Patten 5

Switched off and lost track of Rytting Kaneryd on the left for the opener but performed well otherwise on her eleventh successive start. Made way for Megan Campbell.

Jessica Ziu 7

Bright shift on the West Ham midfiedler’s first competitive start in 18 months. Fortunate not to have given away a first-half penalty but contributed some dangerous crosses. Crucial intervention on 50 minutes to prevent a certain goal.

Megan Connolly 7

Impressive evening from the Cork native in the engine room. Showed composure in possession to get her side moving and performed her defensive duties with aplomb.

Jessie Stapleton 6

Made a clever early intervention to deny Rytting Kaneryd inside the box. Some small errors from midfield but the 19-year-old worked tirelessly before being replaced by Tyler Toland on the hour mark.

Lily Agg 6

Started in Denise O’Sullivan’s absence and put in an energetic display in midfield. Should have opened the scoring but dragged Ireland’s best chance of the night just wide on 24 minutes. Replaced by Liverpool’s Leanne Kiernan.

Katie McCabe 6

Recovered from her remarkable Australian trip to start and showed some magic moments from left wing-back. Good set-piece deliveries but the Arsenal star couldn’t add the spark Ireland needed to get back into the contest.

Amber Barrett 7

The majority of Ireland’s best chances came through the Donegal striker. Several strong runs in behind put the Swedes under huge pressure. Should have levelled on the half-hour mark but sent a header just over, but a strong showing here.

Kyra Carusa 6

Quiet start but grew into the qualifier. Showed good strength to hold the ball up and allow Ireland move forward but failed to test the goalkeeper herself. Replaced by Aoife Mannion.

Eileen Gleeson 6

Made five changes (some injury-enforced) as her side started brightly but then lacked composure when the big moments arrived. The gaps left in defence will be a concern too. Now without a win (or a goal) in five successive games.

Substitutions 5

Toland (59 minutes) provided fresh legs before Mannion, Kiernan and Campbell (all 73) were introduced. The latter’s famous long throws caused some havoc, while Emily Murphy (84) made a late cameo.