James McClean scored once again as Ireland secured a 1-0 victory in their vital group D World Cup qualifier Austria this evening.
The game against Ireland’s bogey team went Martin O’Neil’s men’s way after the Derry man gave Ireland the lead im the second half after a superb pass by Wes Hoolahan played McClean in on the left hand side who who cooley slotted the ball through the oncoming Austrian keepers legs.
The hosts who clearly lacked confidence started the game well and created a few seven half chances and were unlucky not to be ahead before the break after Janko hit the bar from a tight angle. Ireland who kept their composure throughout the game could have taken the lead themselves after Johnathan Walters grazed the top of the bar minutes before half time after superb build up play involving Hoolahan and Brady.
The second half started brightly for Ireland who nullified any Austrian threat early on and rightly took the lead through Mclean’s effort. The boys in green could have went 2-0 up after Walters had a headed goal rightly ruled out for offside after a superb free kick by Brady. With the game coming to the latter stages Austria had a few decent chances but were unable to convert and Ireland managed to hang on and take all three points.
The win now marks Ireland’s best ever start to a qualifying campaign leaving them top of the group D table on 10 points heading into March were they will face a crucial qualifier against Wales.