THE REPUBLIC of Ireland are top of their World Cup qualifying group thanks to James McClean’s match winner in Austria this evening .
Seamus Coleman, the Irish captain, hailed a ‘massive three points’ after Ireland’s best away win in 29 years.
The Derryman’s 47th minute goal fired Martin O’Neill’s team to a 1-0 win that is the first Irish success against the Austrians since 1963 – and their first-ever win on Austrian soil.
Picture caption: James McClean celebrates his match-winning goal in Austria.
[adrotate group=”80″]A corner of the Ernst-Happel Stadium celebrated a memorable win that puts the Boys in Green to the summit – although Serbia could overtake them on goal difference tonight when they face Wales in Cardiff.
“Brilliant,” said a delighted Coleman afterwards.
“It’s a massive three points. We know we leave everything out there. We know it’s three points, but it is massive.
[adrotate group=”85″]“There is a long way to go, but we are really happy and really proud.”
McClean pounced for the winner two minutes into the second half. David Meyler found Wes Hoolahan, who transferred to the scampering McClean and the former Derry City player slotted low past Ramazan Özcan.
Jonathan Walters headed to the net four minutes later, but he was flagged offside.
[adrotate group=”46″]Marcel Sabitzer hit the crossbar for Austria in the first half while Coleman denied Marko Arnautović with a super piece of defending half-an-hour in.
Ireland looked comfortable after McClean’s goal, but they did endure a nervy moment in added time as Marc Janko managed to head off-target from Julian Baumgartlinger’s ball across.
The win is seen by many as the best Irish away win since Mark Lawrenson scored the winner in a 1-0 win against Scotland at Hampden Park in February ’87.
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