It was a little bit hairy there for a while at the start of the second half.
The 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign has been far from perfect to date, but somehow we’ve found ourselves joint top of Group D after victory in Moldova this evening.
The 3-1 scoreline might have been made look comfortable by James McClean’s second-half brace, but Ireland looked in serious bother until taking the lead through the West Brom winger midway through the second half.
Once McLean’s second and Ireland’s third goal of the night went in, there was a far more settled look to Martin O’Neill’s side, who now find themselves behind Serbia at the top of Group D on goal difference after Serbia’s victory over Austria in Belgrade.
It’s a pretty good positon to be in ahead of the trip to Vienna to face Austria next month; here’s some of the best reaction to what was an eventful night in Chișinău.
Another good 3 points.Well done the boys in green.
— John Aldridge (@Realaldo474) October 9, 2016
The outstanding Wes Hoolahan is named the man-of-the-match #MOLIRE #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/QmoKf30Qa2
— RTÉ (@rte) October 9, 2016
McClean went from zero to hero very quickly on Twitter #MOLIRE
— Marie Crowe (@mariecrowe) October 9, 2016
Let's forget all the 'what ifs' about Hoolahan's career/age and start him in every game till he retires. Simple as. #MOLIRE
— Paddy McKenna (@PaddyMcKenna) October 9, 2016
They think it's Moldova. It Is now. #MOLIRE
— Frank McNally (@FrankmcnallyIT) October 9, 2016
We're gonna win the World Cup, lads#MOLIRE
— Same Old Silent Disco (@sameoldniamh) October 9, 2016
'We had to earn the right to play' – Goalscorer James McClean on a difficult night in Chisinau #MOLIRE #RTESoccer https://t.co/KhLEhfG6uk
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) October 9, 2016
Seamus Coleman speaks really well. Great choice as captain. His game seems to have come on since he got the armband #MOLIRE #COYBIG
— Tony (@MURRAYTone) October 9, 2016
That wn had @CorkCityFC @derrycityfc @sligorovers @bfcdublin and @shelsfc written all over it.! #MOLIRE
— Con Murphy (@ConMurphySport) October 9, 2016
