Thomas Cook What’s On Abroad – Austria v Ireland World Cup Qualifier

The Boys in Green are up against the odds in their quest to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil next summer, but they’re not ready to give up the fight yet and we shouldn’t give up on them either.

With six games gone in the group, Giovanni Trapattoni’s men find themselves battling it out with Austria and Sweden for what will likely be a second placed finish in the group behind Germany and a place in the play-offs for the biggest sporting event in the world in Brazil next summer. With all three sides locked on 11 points apiece – both Sweden and Austria have a healthier goal difference than we do – Ireland’s clashes against both sides in September have assumed monumental importance, particularly for us considering that we have to face the formidable Germans in their own back yard in October. Still, three points against Sweden in the Aviva on September 6 would set Ireland up nicely for the visit to Vienna four days later and surely vengeance will be on the mind after David Alaba’s heartbreaking late equaliser in Dublin earlier on in the year. Talk to anyone who regularly follows the Irish team abroad and you’ll soon learn that some of the away trips have become the stuff of legend at this stage and this time should be no different. Plus, when you’re not watching the football or discussing Robbie Keane’s role in the side, the emergence of James McCarthy and Seamus Coleman and whether or not Trap is the right man for the job over a few pints, Vienna is a cracking city and is well worth exploring if you can set a few hours aside. As far as tickets are concerned, the closing date for applications on the FAI website is this Friday – click here for details – but Thomas Cook can look after flights, accommodation and all the rest of your travel needs, just check out their website for great value deals. Come on you Boys in Green!