DRAGONS DONE
McClean the hero for Ireland as he slays Wales hopes and shatters Coleman’s World Cup dream
WALES’ World Cup dream ended in agonising fashion in Cardiff, with James McClean killing off their hopes.
He lashed in the only goal of the game in the 57th minute after exploiting mistakes from Ashley Williams and keeper Wayne Hennessey.
Skipper Williams (below) ripped his shirt in frustration as Wales slipped to their first defeat of the campaign and out of the play-offs.
With injured Gareth Bale watching helplessly from the stands, there was no magic to save the Dragons.
They clearly suffered from losing the influential Joe Allen after 37 minutes. He appeared to be concussed when caught in the middle of a hefty challenge from McClean and David Meyler. It proved a pivotal moment. Wales were not the same without their midfield maestro.
Not even the second-half introduction of Liverpool wonderkid Ben Woodburn could save them.
A very different outcome looked likely as Chris Coleman’s men side dominated the early exchanges.
But by the end even a draw would not have got them into the play-offs, with Ireland securing second place in the group and another shot at reaching Russia. It was a huge anti-climax for an expectant full-house. They had not counted on the Republic, after just one win in four games, proving such stubborn opposition.
The visitors took their chance, were tough to break down and used every bit of game-management to take the heat out of the contest.
By the final whistle, Wales were out of ideas and quality and did not look like scoring despite coming into the match with three successive wins under their belts.
Dragons boss Coleman made one change to the side which won 1-0 in Georgia, Hal Robson-Kanu replacing Sam Vokes up front.
For Ireland, McClean, Robbie Brady and Harry Arter came in.
Wales started brightly and from a corner Robson-Kanu headed over, before Aaron Ramsey’s shot from distance forced Darren Randolph to tip over. It was all Wales in the opening 15 minutes as Ireland, missing injured striker Shane Long, sat deep. But when the visitors won a free-kick they committed numbers forward and it ended with McClean putting over a dangerous low cross. Tom Lawrence, Wales’ hero in Georgia with a screamer, stretched the Ireland defence with his pace. He produced a smart turn and shot in the 25th minute but it was straight at Randolph. Wales’ four-man defence was not altogether convincing and Shane Duffy fired a low shot across the face of goal when they failed to clear. Then came Allen’s injury, with Jonathan Williams replacing him.
The loss of player who made the Euro 2016 team of the tournament as Wales reached the semis, made a noticeable difference.
In his absence, Ireland finished the half the stronger with Brady testing Hennessey at his near post.
After the break James Chester nodded wide from a Ledley corner, while Robson-Kanu was denied by Randolph.
When Wales fell behind they were the architects of their own downfall.
Hennessey had no short options on but still rolled out the ball to Williams, who was just outside the box. Jeff Hendrick nicked the ball off him, raced down the line and crossed.
Arter dummied at the near post and the ball reached McClean, who made no mistake with a fierce drive.