Ireland secure famous win in Vienna

A second-half strike from James McClean helped fire Ireland top of group D performance against a poor Austria side in the World Cup qualifiers in Vienna.

The West Brom winger dispatched his effort from an awkward angle to score his third goal in four appearances for Ireland when he put his effort through the legs of Ramazan Oezcan after a superb ball from the influential Wes Hoolahan played McClean in on goal to secure Ireland’s first win over Austria in 53 years.

Despite starting the game on the front-foot, Austria failed to produce any real moments of quality and were clearly lacking confidence in what was a lacklustre opening 45 from Dietmar Constantini’s side.

Ireland were dealt a blow when Glenn Whelan was forced off through injury in the 24^th minute and was replaced by David Meyler.

Austria did hit the woodwork towards the end of the first-half after Marko Arnautovic played a beautifully timed ball to Marcel Sabitzer whose chip beat Darren Randolph but not the crossbar.

Both sides did not cover themselves in glory in terms of creativity, but it was Martin O’Neill’s men who should have taken the lead in the 45^th minute after a well-worked move saw Robbie Brady who whipped in a fantastic cross towards Jonathan Walters, only for the Stoke City player to miss by inches.

After taking the lead, the Boys in Green thought they extended their advantage when Walters headed in from a fine Robbie Brady cross, only for the official to correctly rule the Stoke City player offside.

The hosts-who were favourites to win the group before a ball was kicked- struggled to create any real clear-cut opportunities after falling behind, the only real chance falling to the unimpressive David Alaba after the Bayern Munich player’s shot dipped just wide.

Austrian forward Marc Janko missed a golden chance in the 90^th minute after Alaba’s cross found the striker 4 yards from goal, only for the Basel player to misguide his headed attempt wide.

Ireland will look to maintain their impressive start in the qualifying campaign when they host Chris Coleman’s Wales at the Aviva on the 24^th of March, while Austria will look to get back on track when they host Moldova on the same date.

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