GAME AT A GLANCE

MAN OF THE MATCH

Shane Duffy (Ireland) There were plenty of contenders but the Brighton defender has developed significantly in the past year and was everywhere where Ireland needed him to be in the defensive effort.

TALKING POINT

How would the game have panned out if Joe Allen had stayed on the pitch? Then again, with Seamus Coleman, Jon Walters and Shane Long absent, Ireland faced the challenge of dealing with significant losses too. Not forgetting Mr Bale of course.

MAGIC MOMENT

The goal. From Hendrick’s tenacity to a brilliant dummy from Arter and a crisp finish from McClean. Watch it. Rewind. Watch it again.

REF WATCH

Slovenia’s win over Scotland on Sunday gave Ireland hope and a native of that country, Damir Skomina, was in charge. He’s moving up the UEFA charts and while he was fussy in terms of fouls and bookings, his decision making was clear.

MATCH STATISTICS

SHOTS Wales 11 Ireland 5

CORNERS Wales 10 Ireland2

YELLOW CARDS Wales 1 Ireland 5

ATTENDANCE

33,000

WHAT’S NEXT

A two-legged play-off next month to make it to Russia. Ireland will be unseeded and will know their four possible opponents by tonight.