- Ben Blake reports from Cardiff
Updated 8.30am
1. Ireland ride their luck but get the job done
IRELAND CAME INTO this game knowing it was win-or-bust, and Martin O’Neill proclaimed in the build-up that he wanted his players to evoke the spirit of Lille — the French city of last summer’s famous win over Italy.
Wales were expected to dominate possession playing in front of their home fans at the Cardiff City Stadium and, after a stirring rendition of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, that’s just what they did.
There were a couple of nervy moments in the first half as Aaron Ramsey led the charge and you wondered whether Ireland could withstand the pressure. But reaching half-time without conceding will have been a huge boost and they grew in confidence as the minutes ticked on.
Wales, contrastingly, missed Joe Allen badly when he went off with suspected concussion after being sandwiched between James McClean and David Meyler.
The visitors defended admirably — with Shane Duffy, Darren Randolph and captain Meyler in the thick of the action — and then struck a killer blow after a mistake from Wales.
A smash-and-grab victory it may have been but the squad and management deserve enormous credit for pulling off another unforgettable win when it looked like qualification might be beyond them.
2. McClean comes up trumps again
En route to last year’s European Championships, Jon Walters was the go-to guy when the team needed big goals. This time around, it seems James McClean has stepped up to take that mantle.
Derry native McClean had already scored two away to Moldova as well as the memorable winner in Vienna last November coming into tonight’s match. However, much of his play in the first half involved tracking back and defending as Wales full-back Chris Gunter got forward at every opportunity.
Then, when the chance fell to him, the 28-year-old made no mistake. The opportunity originated from an error from Ashley Williams and the fine work of Jeff Hendrick, who nicked the ball off the Everton centre-half and drove down the right flank. His cross wasn’t a bad one but Harry Arter’s quick thinking to dummy it brilliantly created the opening.
Unmarked on the penalty spot, McClean drilled a first-time strike past Wayne Hennessy with his weaker right foot.
It’s clear to see how much playing for his country means to the West Brom winger and O’Neill was in agreement when asked if he has been like a talisman for the team at times during this campaign.
3. The Road to Russia continues
So attention turns to Tuesday’s play-off draw in Zurich. What we do know is that Ireland will be unseeded, meaning a fiery meeting with Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland can’t happen.
There are still games to be played, but at the moment the four seeded nations will be Italy, Croatia, Denmark and Portugal/Switzerland. They would all pose difficult challenges over a two-legged tie, which takes place on 9-11 and 12-14 November, but Ireland have proved on several occasions under this management team that they are capable of getting big results when needed.
“Do I fear teams in there? Absolutely — every single one of them,” said O’Neill, when asked about the draw. “But I have always feared teams, it’s the best way to be. Then we go out and beat them — or so I try.
“I think I speak for a lot of the nations in the play-offs. I don’t think anyone would want to play Italy. I don’t think anyone would want to be playing Portugal, although Portugal might beat Switzerland and there is about six others I would rather not have but I am delighted to be in it.”
4. How does the future look?
Whether Ireland actually go on to qualify for the upcoming World Cup or not, O’Neill and his backroom staff are here to stay for the time being after contract extensions up to Euro 2020 were announced last week.
When this campaign ends, there is sure to be quite a few international retirements given the age profile of the current group and by the time next year’s finals in Russia come around John O’Shea will be 37, Wes Hoolahan will be 36, Daryl Murphy will be 35 and Glenn Whelan will be 34.
O’Neill has sometimes been criticised for not taking a chance on new players, but the likes of Sean Maguire, Daryl Horgan, Andy Boyle, Conor Hourihane and John Egan have all made their senior debuts this year.
Maguire was an unused substitute against Wales alongside another striker, the uncapped Scott Hogan, but it would have been asking a lot to throw either into a game of such importance and they will both get opportunities.
Callum O’Dowda has shown glimpses that he could be capable of making it at international level and then regulars are U21 level such as Declan Rice, Josh Cullen, Ryan Manning and Reece Grego-Cox, who scored a hat-trick for Noel King’s side on Monday, are all worth keeping a close eye on.
There may not be ready-made replacements for those hanging up their boots but, at the same time, Ireland do have players coming through.
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