MAC THE KNIFE
McClean strike sends Ireland into play-off heaven and plunges a dagger into Welsh football hearts
WALES suffered an agonising World Cup exit after an Irish smash-and-grab raid.
Chris Coleman’s men, backed by a passionate crowd, enjoyed most of the possession, but James McClean’s thumping 57th-minute finish put them out. It was the Dragons’ first defeat in a competitive match in four years on Welsh soil, as injured talisman Gareth Bale (below) watched helplessly from the stands. Martin O’Neill’s side leapfrogged Wales into second place in Group D and will go into the play-off draw on Tuesday. Serbia’s 1-0 win over Georgia means they finish top to qualify automatically. Wales skipper Ashley Williams was put under
pressure by a poor throw out from keeper Wayne Hennessey. Jeff Hendrick seized on the error to send in a cross that Harry Arter dummied for the West Brom man to rifle home.
Williams was so distraught that he ripped his shirt in frustration. With Bale out, Joe Allen was a key man, but on a night of miserable luck for Wales, the Stoke star was taken off eight minutes before halftime with suspected concussion.
Ireland boss Martin O’Neill said: “The last half hour seemed like an eternity. But I’m delighted with the result and proud of my players. We knew we would have to withstand pressure and at some point win the game.
“James McClean’s goal was worthy of winning any game. It’s been a fantastic campaign – we were fourth seeds so to finish second is terrific.”