McClean’s super strike floors Wales
JAMES McCLEAN broke Welsh hearts as he fired the Republic of Ireland into the World Cup play-offs on a night of high drama in Cardiff. The West Brom winger scored the only goal when he rifled home from a superb cross by Jeff Hendrick in the 57th minute. The result means Martin O’Neill’s men finished second in Group D behind Serbia and also denied Scotland’s Group F rivals Slovakia a play-off spot. Republic manager O’Neill said: ‘The players were magnificent playing away from home at a very
good Welsh side. To win on their territory was a great result for us.
‘That last half-hour seemed to last an eternity. We had to withstand pressure, but we knew at some stage we would have to try to win the game and we did it. The goal was worthy of winning any game.’
O’Neill’s men will be unseeded in the play-off draw on October 17, with Italy and Croatia among their possible opponents.
‘We are in the play-offs,’ said the former Celtic manager. ‘Whenever the draw is made, we will take our chance.
‘The impression of our campaign? Absolutely delighted. When the draw was made, I thought we had a very difficult group. We have come through. Fantastic.’
Goalscorer McClean said: ‘Unbelievable. There’s no better feeling.
‘A lot of people wrote us off and I think it was a test tonight, even more so because we needed to win, but we showed our character and our quality as well. We dug deep and we’ll enjoy this one.
‘I remember the ball coming across and I was just thinking “keep it down” and it hit the back of the net. There’s no better feeling on a football pitch.
‘We’re not there yet. It’s a big night tonight and we’ll enjoy that, but it means nothing if we don’t go and qualify now.’
Midfielder Hendrick praised the spirit shown by the Republic as they became the first side to win on Welsh soil in four years.
He said: ‘It was hard work. We knew it would be, but we always said that once we had one game it’s a do-or-die — and when it comes to the big games, this group of lads show up.
‘I think everybody that plays us knows they are in for a hard game. We might not pass the ball as much as other countries, but we’ve got the spirit and it’s great to do it for the fans.
‘We’ve got two big games. We’ve just got to keep going and we’ve got to show that spirit again.’
Wales manager Chris Coleman will take his time before making a decision on his future.
When asked if this was his last game in charge, Coleman said: ‘Right now, all I can think about are the faces of the players in the dressing room and the disappointment. They are inconsolable at the moment, but they should feel very proud. That’s all I can think about.
‘I know I’m going to be asked about my situation, but I won’t think about that right now.
‘I’ll take some time to let the dust settle and then I’m sure we’ll have a sit down and have a chat — and we’ll take it from there.’
Reflecting on four years in charge, Coleman added: ‘I just reminded the players that, four years ago, we were playing here against Macedonia in front of eight thousand people, playing for nothing.
‘It’s different now. We’re in campaigns and we’re taking it to the wire, taking it to the last game and that’s all we can do. And with a little bit of luck and a wing and a prayer, hoping to get it right in the last game, but we didn’t. The Republic of Ireland got it right.
‘I said before, if it wasn’t us, it’s going to be another home nation.
‘Good luck to Martin. He’s done a tremendous job and I hope they go and get to the World Cup.’