IRISH AYE: REPUBLIC WIN PLAY-OFF SPOT AT WALES’ EXPENSE
ALL SMILES: Republic of Ireland’s James McClean celebrates scoring the only goal of the game against Wales, which means Martin O’Neill’s side will compete in the World Cup play-offs for a spot in next year’s finals in Russia.
JAMES McCLEAN sent the Republic of Ireland into a World Cup play-off as Wales’ hopes of qualification were ended by this defeat in Cardiff.
Wales, without the injured Gareth Bale, were defeated for only the second time in 22 qualifiers.
The decisive moment came in the 57th minute when Wales captain 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 despite fierce pressure at the start of each half, Ireland held firm and accepted the game’s best opening when it came.
Republic manager Martin O’Neill had called for the ‘Spirit of Lille’ beforehand, the French city where his side had beaten Italy at Euro 2016.
O’Neill certainly got that from his central defenders Shane Duffy and Ciaran Clark, who repelled countless Welsh attacks while the Ireland midfield slowly took control of an area where Wales felt the first-half loss of Joe Allen.
Wales had won three successive games to put their play-off destiny in their own hands, but this defeat could mark the final game of Chris Coleman’s six-year tenure as the manager has said this would be his last campaign.
Last night’s goalscorer McClean said: “A lot of people wrote us off and I think it was a test, 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 and we’ll enjoy that, but it means nothing if we don’t go and qualify now.”
Victorious manager Martin O’Neill said: “For us to come here and win on their territory is a great result
“It was a great goal, worthy of winning any game. We’re in the play-offs...so whenever the draw is made we’ll take our chance.
“We were fourth seeds so we’ve come through and we’ve been fantastic.”