There was an air of jubilation in Irish football tonight as Martin O’Neill’s Ireland side registered an historic 1-0 victory over Austria in Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna this evening. The win puts Ireland at the head of the Group D European World Cup qualifying table, with ten points from four games.

Early in tonight's game, Austria were dominant and created a number of chances. But the Irish defence was resolute, with goalkeeper Darren Randolph in particular putting in a massive shift and Ciaran Clarke making one crucial block.

There was heartache for Stoke City midfielder Glen Whelan, who was injured after 24 minutes, and replaced by David Meyler of Hull City. Nonetheless, Ireland gradually began to get a toe-hold in the game and created one of the best chances of the first half just before the break, when Wes Hoolahan and Robbie Brady combined down the left. Brady whipped the ball across the box and Jonathan Walters got on the end of it, only to see his effort hit the bar and go over.