Search icon

News

20th Dec 2016

History Makers: Why Ireland Beating Austria Yesterday Is Such A Big Deal

James Fenton

They came, they saw, they conquered. It’s not often Irish fans can return home to the Emerald Isle safe in the knowledge that three points have been secured against a half decent European nation.

Sure, wins have been produced against cannon fodder such as San Marino and Andorra in recent years and there have been famous draws against the likes of the Netherlands, France and Italy. 

But to recall the last time the Boys In Green defeated a side anywhere near the same level as their own on their travels you would have to go back a long time…

Martin O’Neill’s men needed James McClean’s second half goal to clinch the 1-0 victory and captain Séamus Coleman was quick to praise the travelling supporters in his post-match interview with RTE:

He certainly wasn’t the only happy Irishman in Vienna:

Most importantly, the victory leaves us top of our qualifying group going into Christmas which basically means we can start booking those flights to Russia 2018. COYBIG!

Irelandaustria

(via Livescore)

READ NEXT: WATCH: McGregor Fans Having The Time Of Their Lives In NYC Ahead Of UFC 205

Topics: