Republic of Ireland 1-1 Austria
Republic of Ireland scored a late equaliser and then had a goal disallowed in a pulsating finish to this vital clash at the Aviva Stadium.
Jonny Walters’ 85th-minute strike ensures Boys in Green stay in control of their World Cup 2018 Euro Qualifiers destiny in Group D but the gambling markets flew all over the place as Martin O’Neill’s men went for the winner, and almost got it.
Betting tips installed the hosts as favourites before the game as they expected an injury- and suspension-ravaged Austria to struggle. But it looked like plenty of football bets were going awry as the hosts failed to register a single shot on target in a frustrating first half and went one down to a wonderful set-piece on 31 minutes.
Austria’s star man David Alaba fired a low ball into the box for defender Martin Hinteregger to steer home. It was the first goal the Irish had conceded in Dublin in almost nine hours of competitive football.
Austria started dangerously after the break, Alaba slicing wide when it looked like he was about to make it two. Then Ireland awoke; Harry Arter saw his pile driver charged down before James McLean tried his luck when a pass was the better option.
The Irish almost grabbed an equaliser on 80th minute when Kevin Long’s header was cleared off the line by Stefan Lainer, but it was soon pure joy for the Irish when Walters burst through to smash home with five minutes left on the clock.
Two minutes later big Shane Duffy thought he’d won it when he bundled the ball over the line, but he’d taken the keeper with him and the whistle blew.
Austria thought they had won three points for much of the game, and in the end, it was a close run thing. However, Jonny’s goal means there’ll be partying in Dublin tonight.
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