574 passes. 67% possession. 10 corners.
Wales won most of the statistical battles on Monday night, but they lost the one that really counted. Wales 0-1 Republic of Ireland.
Burnley striker Sam Vokes was a late substitute in the loss for Hal Robson-Kanu. The striker played the last 20 minutes and told Welsh channel S4C after the game that he felt Wales "dominated" the encounter.
It's a tough one to take tonight. I think we played well. I thought we dominated the game. They had that one chance and they took it well.
SAM VOKES: 'A tough one to take.'
Ymateb wedi'r golled. | Reaction following @FAWales' 0-1 loss. pic.twitter.com/5ngiYYoExK
— sgorio (@sgorio) October 9, 2017
Vokes was also specifically asked about "Ireland's tactics" by the interviewer. The physical nature of Martin O'Neill's side was not warmly received in the Welsh capital after the game. The striker said it was nothing the side didn't expect.
It's the way Ireland play. We knew that going into it. They're a tough team to break down.
I thought we dominated the game today and played very well. We just couldn't get that final goal.
They got one, and when they got one they sat in and made it hard for us.
The Burnley star added that Wales had chances, but Ireland "make it hard to play around" in the midfield, nullifying their options.
"The lads can hold their head up high", he concluded as Wales' wait to reach their second World Cup must wait at least another four years.
