Wales 0 Ireland 1: James McClean’s goal seals Republic of Ireland World Cup Qualifying spot

JAMES McCLEAN sent Republic of Ireland into the World Cup play-offs - and also broke Welsh hearts to send them packing

The West Brom wideman slammed home a sweet second half strike on 57 minutes after a clever dummy by Harry Arter. It meant Ireland finished second in Group D behind winners Serbia, and guarantee a play-off game to reach Russia 2018.

Wales only had themselves to blame as a hospital pass from goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey put Ashley Williams in trouble and Jeff Hendrick blocked his clearance.

The ball squirted along the touchline and the Burnley midfielder crossed, Arter allowed the ball to run and McClean made no mistake with a fizzing drive past Hennessey.

Ireland’s winner largely came against the run of play but Martin O’Neill and co will not care as they set up a two-legged clash next month in a bid to reach the finals in Russia. And this is likely to be Wales boss Chris Coleman’s final match in charge as he has previously stated he will not renew his contract at the end of this campaign.

Wales, without talisman Gareth Bale through injury, suffered another blow on 37 minutes when influential midfielder Joe Allen was forced off with concussion.

The Stoke ace failed to recover from a knock to the head after he was sandwiched by two Ireland players.
McClean appeared to barge Allen in the back and then the pint-sized Welshman collided with the on-coming Meyler.

That was the biggest talking point of a first half high on effort and commitment but low on quality. After a stirring Welsh anthem at the Cardiff City Stadium, Coleman’s side started brightly.

Hal Robson-Kanu headed Joe Ledley’s corner over the crossbar before Ireland keeper Darren Randolph tipped over a fine Aaron Ramsey drive.

But, with the stakes high, the game became disjointed and full of errors. Ciaran Clark summed up the first half when the Brighton centre-back almost sliced into his own net.

Ireland rarely threatened in attack during the first 45 minutes but boss O’Neill would have been content with the way the first half panned out.

And, just like against Italy in their final Euro 2016 group game in Lille, the Irish found a second half winner thanks to McClean’s right-footed effort.

From The Sun