James McCLean’s double along with Shane Long’s first half effort gave Ireland a much deserved 3-1 victory in Moldova in their World Cup group D qualifier tonight.
In a game that Ireland dominated from start to finish, got off to the perfect start when Shane Long put Ireland 1-0 after a superb pass by Wes Hoolahan, as the game progressed Ireland pressed for a second however they were caught on the break on the stroke of half time and went into the break surprisingly level.
Moldova started the second half much more brightly as Ireland were still shocked from the first half equaliser, although Ireland found their footing one again and took the lead on the 69th minute when McClean slotted home after Johnathan Walters controlled a long ball in the box.
Ireland sealed the victory on the 76th minute when McClean tapped home a Seamus Coleman cross after the Donegal man made a terrific run down the right wing. Ireland managed to control the game until the finish. The win now leaves Martin O’Neill’s men second on seven points level with group leaders Serbia, going into next month’s match against Austria.