O’Neill Says Nobody Will Want Ireland In Play-Offs
Written 3 weeks ago by Newsroom
The Republic of Ireland kept their World Cup dreams alive with a pulsating 1-0 victory over Wales in their final Group D qualifier in Cardiff last night.
The boys in green beat their hosts to the play-off spot thanks to James McClean’s sensational goal.
There were 57 minutes on the clock when the Derryman smashed home a cross from Jeff Hendrick which Harry Arter had cleverly stepped over.
It was his fourth goal of the campaign.
The 28 year old says it is a sensational feeling to send his side to the play offs.
Ireland will learn their next opponents when the draw for the play offs takes place in Zurich next week.
The opening game is scheduled for the second week of November, with the second leg to be played seven days later.
Ireland could be paired with the likes of Italy, Croatia, Portugal or Switzerland but manager Martin O’Neil says they are ready for the task.
Serbia finished as Group D winners and secured automatic qualification for next year’s finals with a 1-0 win at home to Georgia.
Italy finished second behind Spain in Group G and ended their campaign with a 1-0 win away to Albania.
Croatia secured second place in Group I with a 2-0 win away to Ukraine.
Iceland have qualified for their first ever World Cup finals thanks to a 2-0 victory over Kosovo which secured top spot in Group I.
