The Republic of Ireland’s victory over Austria was significant for a number of reasons.
It was the first-time Ireland beat a higher-ranked team away from home since 1987, when Mark Lawrenson scored the winner in a 1-0 victory against Scotland at Hampden Park. It was also the country’s first win against Austria since 1963 and Austria’s first competitive loss at home in four years.
Most importantly, the 1-0 win, thanks to James McClean’s second-half goal, puts Ireland in a commanding position at the top of Group D, with 10 points from four games.
With all of Ireland’s rivals for automatic qualification to come to Dublin next year, things are looking promising for Martin O’Neill’s side on their quest to reach the World Cup in 2018.
In the 17 months since the draw with Scotland Ireland have been transformed | @dionfanning charts how it happened https://t.co/Znf9IBkxQC
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) November 14, 2016
However, despite such a positive result, some things never change. Eamon Dunphy has, once again, heavily criticised Glenn Whelan and James McCarthy, two of his least favourite Ireland players.
Whelan was forced off injured in the first-half against Austria, and replaced by David Meyler, who did really well and played an important part in Ireland’s goal. While McCarthy wasn’t even part of the squad, as he is currently injured.
The RTE pundit reckons it’s no coincidence that Ireland’s best away performance in a generation occurred while the pair were absent from the team.
This being Dunphy though, he was arguably a bit too harsh on the midfielders.
“We have been playing with nine men for eight years because Whelan and McCarthy don’t turn up ever,” the pundit said 2FM’s Game On.
“There is no mystery why our results have improved. We wouldn’t have won in Moldova without Wes Hoolahan and we wouldn’t have won in Austria without Wes Hoolahan and James McClean.
“David Meyler: He's been waiting for a chance and he was different class.” https://t.co/TGqkciI5Y0
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) November 14, 2016
“There is no way that Glenn Whelan and James McCarthy would have been where Meyler was. There was no way they would have won the ball and there is no way they would have given the pass.”
Ireland’s next game is at home to Wales in March and outside of Gareth Bale, Dunphy doesn’t seem worried about any of their players.
“(Aaron) Ramsey is a bit of a poser, (but) he is a dangerous and can score goals,” Dunphy said
“Then they have Ashley Williams but besides that they don’t have much else. I wouldn’t worry about Austria (either), they are gutless. We have made a brilliant start and we should be very happy eating our turkey.”
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