Ireland somehow beat a decent side away from home in Vienna tonight. It was a heartening performance full of grit that featured one of the best team goals that Ireland have scored in years. As ever, it included Wes Hoolahan.
Experience the entire goal in GIF form below.
#1 The Dive
It starts with the cowardly Wimmer dive. Note how captain Seamus Coleman covers the oncoming Alaba run. Meyler easily collected and turned up the pitch
#2 A moment of subtle genius from David Meyler
With Wimmer on the charge, Meyler slows himself down. The Austrian centreback commits to the pass up the wing to Walters, and Meyler stops and plays toward midfield. He puts the pass just behind Baumgartlinger. Wes stops collects on his right, gathers and quickly turns.
#3 The Wes Pass
Even Dunphy declared Wes Hoolahan's first half performance poor. But Wes proved why needs to start every Ireland match with this pass. McClean tore for the open space and Wes seemed to pause and plot the exact spot he would place the ball. The pass ended up being perfect.
#4 The Finish
McClean's job was hardly easy. Ozcan was well-positioned but McClean shot off his left and found the sweet spot between the keeper's legs.
1-0 Ireland, and that's how it finished.
