A big step towards Russia 2018?
After Jon Walters missed a glorious chance at the end of the first-half, Martin O’Neill’s men came out swinging in the second.
After just three minutes, Meyler won the ball and sprung a counter-attack, releasing McClean who surged forward and buried a shot to give Ireland a 1-0 lead – adding to the two goals he scored against Moldova during the last international break.
What followed was unusual for Ireland. Instead of sitting back, Ireland continued to attack and generally looked the better side. Austria gave Ireland a tense finish, but never truly looked capable of beating Darren Randolph.
With Wales and Serbia to play later on, Ireland now lead Group D by three points and remain unbeaten with some tough fixtures behind them. Here’s how social media reacted to the positive scoreline:
https://twitter.com/ConorPacKelly/status/797509852708962304
James McClean has been fantastic tonight! Not just the goal but his all round play! #COYBIG #AUSvIRE #Ireland
— Will Desay (@willdesay) November 12, 2016
https://twitter.com/BonosVertigo/status/797509782492028928
James McClean channelling his inner Gareth Bale tonight massive stuff #COYBIG #AUSvIRE
— Seamus Casserley (@Casselbank) November 12, 2016
Harry Arter covers so much ground. Dare I say it, he looks more mobile than James McCarthy in midfield.
— Ryan Kelly (@ryandelarge) November 12, 2016
McClean has been excellent but harry arter is man of the match for me,very defensively solid
— Kevin Fitzgerald (@KevinFitz2468) November 12, 2016
https://twitter.com/OscarBrennan96/status/797511132328198144
https://twitter.com/digital_times/status/797511250129354753
https://twitter.com/Abundance247/status/797511603520421889
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