CARDIFF (Reuters) - Ireland ripped up the script by beating Wales 1-0 to secure their place in the playoffs for the World Cup finals on Monday. Martin O'Neill's Ireland soaked up the expected Welsh pressure in the Cardiff City Stadium and landed a sucker-punch in the 57th-minute with one of their rare attacks. It proved a body blow from which Chris Coleman's Wales, who started the night above Ireland in second place and still had eyes on top spot, never recovered as their hopes of reaching a first World Cup finals since 1958 evaporated. Wales dominated before halftime without ever really opening up a well-organised Ireland side and Ireland keeper Darren Randolph was rarely tested. Ireland have not qualified for the World Cup since 2002 and have bitter playoff memories, having been knocked out by a controversial France goal in 2010.

Source: The Star October 09, 2017 21:03 UTC