James McClean celebrates his goal which took the Republic of Ireland into the World Cup play-offs with a 1-0 win in Wales.
James McClean sent the Republic of Ireland into a World Cup play-off as Wales’ hopes of qualification were ended by a 1-0 defeat in Cardiff.
Wales lost for only the second time in 22 qualifiers as the absence of star man Gareth Bale came back to haunt them.
The decisive moment came in the 57th minute when Wales skipper Ashley Williams lost possession on the edge of his penalty area and Jeff Hendrick crossed for McClean to slam home his fourth goal of the campaign.
Wales themselves needed a victory to reach next month’s play-offs and raise hopes of a first World Cup finals appearance since 1958, but it was not to be.
Hendrick praised the spirit shown by the Republic.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
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 it was a great dummy from Harry (Arter) and as it was coming I was just thinking ‘keep it down’ and it hit the back of the net. There’s no better feeling on a football pitch.
“Look, 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.”
Victorious manager Martin O’Neill was relieved to hear the final whistle after his side were forced to withstand a late bombardment by the home side.
“For us to come here and win on their territory is a great result,” he said.
“The last half-hour seemed like an eternity as we had to withstand pressure, as you would expect, but also we knew at some stage we would have to try and win the game and we did it.
“It was great goal, worthy of winning any game. We’re in the play-offs ... so whenever the draw is made we’ll take our chance.
“When the draw was made I thought outside any side involved in Spain and Italy’s group - two world-class sides - I thought we had a very, very difficult group. I thought anybody who finished in front of Serbia would probably win it.
“We were fourth seeds so we’ve come through and we’ve been fantastic.”
Wales manager Chris Coleman will now take his time before making a decision over his future.
He said: “Right now all I can think about is the faces of the players in the dressing room and the disappointment. They are inconsolable at the moment. That’s all I can think about.”