Republic of Ireland 0-1 Wales: Hosts close to UEFA Nations League relegation

The Derby winger left keeper Darren Randolph rooted to the spot as his 58th-minute strike secured a 1-0 Nations League victory for Wales.

The result piled the pressure on Ireland boss Martin O'Neill amid boos on the final whistle at the Aviva Stadium.

Until that point, an error-strewn game had lumbered along in mundane fashion but once they had their noses in front, Giggs' youngsters rarely looked like surrendering their lead as the Republic's lack of creativity was once again cruelly exposed.

O'Neill and assistant Roy Keane will mark five years at the helm next month, when they will need Denmark to lose in Wales and to then record their first win in five competitive matches in Aarhus three days later if they are to avoid relegation from League B.

Shorn of star men Bale, through injury, and Ramsey following the birth of his twins - the first time one of the two had not featured in a competitive game since the latter made his debut in 2008 - Giggs put his faith in 18-year-old midfielder Matthew Smith and striker Tyler Roberts, just a year older.

He sent out his team to play just as they had done in thrashing Ireland 4-1 in Cardiff last month but where they had been slick and incisive on home turf, they lacked the precision to repeat their heroics in the first half at the Aviva Stadium - with the experienced Joe Allen a notable exception.

The Republic's approach, as ever, was more prosaic and while there was plenty of perspiration, the inspiration they have lacked for some time was once again in short supply.

It was perhaps fitting that the game's first chance came courtesy of a ninth-minute error when Smith served up possession to Cyrus Christie on the edge of the box, although the Fulham man was unable to profit as keeper Wayne Hennessey dived to his left to keep out a low curling effort.

Both sides were guilty of surrendering the ball at regular intervals to kill their own impetus, and it was not until the closing stages of the half that either threatened again.

Tyler Roberts diverted a Connor Roberts cross straight to Randolph nine minutes before the break and Shane Duffy troubled Hennessey no further at the other end after meeting Jeff Hendrick's corner.

Callum Robinson, drafted in for the injured Callum O'Dowda, was the one man who looked capable of making the difference for the home side and he saw a goal-bound 41st-minute shot blocked by Smith's lunge.

If anything, the quality of football dropped as the second half got under way with both sides criminally careless in possession, but that all changed as Wales took the lead after Ireland shot themselves in the foot.

Harry Arter's clumsy challenge on Connor Roberts 22 yards out handed Wilson the chance to test Randolph and the keeper took a fatal step behind his wall as Wilson curled a left-foot shot into the top corner.

Ireland's response was concerted, but largely without finesse, although Hennessey had to save from Hendrick when he drilled in a rising 66th-minute effort from Matt Doherty's lay-off.

However, the visitors almost doubled their advantage from a 73rd-minute counter-attack sparked by Tom Lawrence and David Brooks, while James Chester should have hit the target from point-blank range from the resulting corner. Substitute George Thomas was denied a second goal by Randolph in stoppage time.

Opta facts

• Republic of Ireland have lost back-to-back matches against Wales for the first time since they lost their opening four meetings with the Dragons, ending back in 1986.
• Wales have beaten Republic of Ireland away from home for the first time since February 1992 under manager Terry Yorath, while it is also the Dragons first ever competitive victory in Dublin against the Boys in Green.
• Republic of Ireland have won just one of their last seven home competitive matches (D3 L3).
• Ryan Giggs is the first Wales manager to win his first two matches against Republic of Ireland since Mike England did so back in 1986.
• Harry Wilson is the first Welshman to score a direct free-kick goal in a competitive match since Gareth Bale’s strike against England during Euro 2016.

Player ratings

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

DARREN RANDOLPH: Very little to do in the game, but could not get anywhere near Harry Wilson's fine free-kick. 6/10

MATT DOHERTY: Unable to have the kind of influence on the game he has had for Wolves in the Premier League this season. 5

RICHARD KEOGH: Comfortable at the back and productive in possession on a night when he saw plenty of the ball. 6

SHANE DUFFY: Largely untested at the back, but might have done better with a header on goal from Jeff Hendrick's first-half corner. 6

KEVIN LONG: Solid in defence despite picking up an early booking for a foul on David Brooks, and provided an outlet down the left as Ireland attempted to play out from the back. 6

JAMES McCLEAN: Worked desperately hard at both his defensive and attacking duties, but collected a booking which will keep him out of next month's trip to Denmark. 6

CYRUS CHRISTIE: Should have scored when presented with an early chance by Matthew Smith's error, and while he was hugely industrious throughout, his passing lacked precision. 6

HARRY ARTER: Enjoyed a great deal of possession, but too often deep inside his own half and needlessly conceded the free-kick from which Wales won it. 5

JEFF HENDRICK: Much more involved and effective than in recent games, but was unable to help his side find the breakthrough they craved. 7

CALLUM ROBINSON: One of few Ireland players to shine on the night, turned in a busy display and looked the man most likely to make something happen. 7

AIDEN O'BRIEN: Worked hard to provide a focal point for the Republic, but too often found himself surrounded as he attempted to bring team-mates into play. 6

SUBSTITUTES

SHANE LONG: (for O'Brien, 56): Put himself about in customary fashion, but chances were few and far between. 6

SEAN MAGUIRE: (for Robinson, 60): Got involved in a desperate late scrap for an equaliser, but struggled to make an impact. 6

SCOTT HOGAN: (for Kevin Long, 75): Thrown into a frantic rescue mission, but lacked meaningful service. 6

WALES

WAYNE HENNESSEY: Vital early save to deny Christie and was always in the right place when his goal was threatened. 7

CONNOR ROBERTS: A real Ryan Giggs favourite and it is easy to understand why, broke forward to win decisive free-kick. 7

JAMES CHESTER: Restored to the starting line-up and showed his worth as he kept a tight rein on Ireland's forwards. 7

ASHLEY WILLIAMS: Written off by many, but the veteran skipper stood up to the combative challenge that came his way. 7

BEN DAVIES: Mopped up well when under pressure but second booking of the competition rules him out of the Denmark finale. 7

JOE ALLEN: Outnumbered in the first half, but helped turn the tide Wales' way by finding passing angles after the break. 8

MATTHEW SMITH: Handed surprise first start and found midfield battle tough, early mistake almost led to Ireland taking lead. 6

DAVID BROOKS: Struggled to find his Premier League form as aggressive Ireland defenders left their mark on him. 5

HARRY WILSON: Anonymous in the first half, but then came up with a special free-kick to settle the contest. 7

TOM LAWRENCE: Looked Wales' sharpest attacker throughout when cutting in from the left and went close. 7

TYLER ROBERTS: Struggled to make an impact on his first start after surprisingly getting the nod over the in-form Sam Vokes. 5

SUBSTITUTES

GEORGE THOMAS: (for Smith, 74): Brought on in final quarter to shore things up and almost scored second. 6

CHRIS GUNTER: (for Wilson, 85): Won his 91st cap in the final moments as his experience was called upon. 6

ANDY KING: (for Brooks, 87): Another late addition to strengthen the midfield area as Wales came under pressure. 6

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