Wales win but Republic of Ireland beaten - reaction

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill on Sky Sports: "We were terrific first half and really into it. We played little on- twos around the penalty area but couldn't get the elusive goal. At half-time I thought we could go on and win the game. Their goal came out of the blue and set us back but we came roaring back. We could have got the result. I am disappointed but I am proud of the team.

"It was a really tough game for them. We were tough, strong and also played. The important thing is that we are not out of it.

"It will be tough against Moldova but we must win the last two (they also play Wales). We have a chance. Even if we had drawn here tonight we would still probably have had to win the last two. We are capable of that."

Republic of Ireland's David Meyler: "We poured our heart and soul into the performance, we gave it everything, they probably had two good chances and with the second one they scored.

"Overall I think we deserved something from the game - probably three points."

This is quite a damning fact for the Republic of Ireland...

Martin O’Neill’s side have scored just two goals at home in 2018 World Cup qualifying; only Faroe Islands (1) and Latvia, San Marino and Liechtenstein (all zero) have scored fewer amongst European nations.

It has been miserable night for the Republic of Ireland, who lost their first competitive home game under Martin O’Neill, ending a run of nine games without defeat at the Aviva Stadium.

This is also the first defeat they have suffered in competitive action at the Aviva Stadium since September 2013 (v Sweden), under Giovanni Trapattoni.

Serbia have proved a particular thorn in their side. The Republic have not beaten them in five games, with both defeats in that run coming on home soil.

Crushing.

JavelBleach: Tbh, without #Woodburn, Wales would be 4 points worse off. Just good as a sub? I expect him to start in Georgia on 6 Oct.

More from Wales boss Chris Coleman on Sky Sports: "That makes it 18 campaign games and eon defeat. Sometimes you have to dig a result out, you have to suffer and come through it. You have to show heart and courage and we have shown that. we are still int eh mix.

"You have to fancy Serbia but we have to try and get second. Still very exciting for us and everything to play for. Bring it on and make sure we take the red wall with us. We have to be better in our all-round play though. We will need our perseverance and resilience again."

Wales' win was their first away from home since September 2015 (v Cyprus), and ends a run of six games without victory.

Chris Coleman’s side are unbeaten in their last eight games (W3 D5), and have won in consecutive outings for the first time since July 2016 (a run of three wins).

Wales manager Chris Coleman on Sky Sports: "It was a win, a good win. Not our best performance over 90 minutes but it was going to be tough. We needed to be patient and not get frustrated. It is hard to come here and break them down. They hit us on the counter a couple of times but the lads did everything we asked.

"Again, young Ben Woodburn. He put in a good cross for Hal Robson-Kanu but Aaron Ramsey finished the game off. It was one of those where we had so much to lose, it did not matter how we got over the line. We need to finish the group off int he same style as these last two games."

They have come out with maximum points and that is a sign of a decent team. When you are not at your best, they can get a result. They are now back in the mix.

It was never going to be easy. England get a lot of criticism against the lesser nations but it is hard against opposition who are gritty and are not interested in playing. You cannot question Wales's effort or spirit, sometimes they just lacked that bit of brilliance.

Wales midfielder Joe Allen on Sky Sports: "It was hard work, quite frustrating at times. We got the all important goal, kept the pressure on until we got it.

"What a camp it has been for Ben Woodburn – he has had a massive impact in both games and what a player he already is.

"The big thing is that we have picked up six points from this camp and are the team with momenetum going into the final round of games. It won't be easy but we want to get maximum points and lets see where that leads us."

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Wales needed the inspiration from somewhere and got it late on from Ben Woodburn. What an impact. He is so young but will he now start against Georgia? Has he stamped his name on the team?

Saturday against Austria he scored the goal, tonight he made the goal, which made the difference.

On a difficult night, against gritty opposition who sat in, Chris Coleman's side have done it again.

Wales are up to second in Group D - but really, surely with two games left it is Serbia's to lose now. Mind you the Serbs have to go to Austria before hosting Georgia.

Serbia - 18 points

Wales - 14 points

Republic of Ireland - 13 points

Dave Sommerville: These are the kind of games that Wales were losing up until a few years ago

Paul Mulligan: Frustrating night for @FAIreland. Just not enough quality and creativity in the final third. Tough to qualify now.

A big night in Group D. Wales are up to second as Republic of Ireland drop to third. Serbia lead on 18, Chris Coleman's side are four points behind but one ahead of Martin O'Neill's men.

Oh, and Wales host Ireland in the final round of fixtures. Tasty.

Serbia players punch the air as Irish men sink to the turf.

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Late corner for Ireland. Last chance saloon.

It is swung in... and headed over.

Job done for Wales.

PACopyright: PA

Moldova come so close to a consolation as a Alexandru Dedov shot from the left beats Hennessey, strikes the inside of the far post and flies across goal and wide.