W/C qualifier: Georgia 0, Wales 1, Wales boosts chances of reaching Russian Federation
- by Ethel Medina
- in Culture
- — Oct 9, 2017
A draw will be enough to guarantee second place in Group D but not necessarily a spot in the play-offs.
O'Neill and Keane have agreed to remain in charge of the Republic of Ireland even if they fail to qualify for Russian Federation 2018.
'We have to focus on ourselves and not get distracted by anyone else'.
Without Bale, the spotlight will fall heavily on Aaron Ramsey.
O'Neill has some big calls to make for Monday's game, particularly with Robbie Brady and James McClean available again after suspension, and how they can be fitted back into a side which did quite well in their absence last night.
"But we really need them to fully believe in us and to fully back us and give us one last push".
It was the first time that Wales had managed a victory in 11 games when their star man Gareth Bale had been absent, the Real Madrid forward missing out with a calf strain.
Wales's 1-0 win in Georgia formally put an end to the already very faint possibility that a draw would have sufficed on Monday.
He said: "I think there's a willingness on both sides [to stay on]".
"At first we didn't look into it but then gradually a few photos got together and it was bad, so we just thought we may as well keep it the same". I have no idea how the Republic of Ireland are feeling or looking at it, but there won't be talk from out, it's all about the future, Ireland on Monday is the future for us. The Republic will come to party, they won't fear us. They come over as much as they can.
The Republic were dominating possession with Wes Hoolahan prominent, but were often careless in promising positions and a further 10 minutes had elapsed by the time a relieved Cebanu saw O'Dowda's shot from the edge of the box fly into the side-netting. "We welcome the pressure".
"I think that Wales would naturally miss a player of that calibre", O'Neill told reporters. "We have a game plan and we will see where it takes us".
It's been a year to the day since Long last scored for Ireland (away to Moldova), so playing him as the lone frontman would be a risk, particularly given the Boys in Green's recent well-documented struggles as a team in front of goal. Obviously, I played in a different role; central midfield with the option to go wide but what's more important is that we got the 3 points.
Lawrence's goal demonstrated his fine technique and although he has played for nine different clubs, despite only being 23 years of age, his movement will prove a handful for the Irish and Clark.
"He showed great courage tonight because defensively he had a job to do for us and he did it absolutely fantastically well".
