Republic of Ireland 2-0 Moldova: Boys in Green set up Cardiff shootout against Wales with victory in Dublin
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Daryl Murphy booked the Republic of Ireland a World Cup qualifier showdown against Wales with a brace in a 2-0 victory over Moldova.
Murphy, who had only one senior international goal to his name before kick-off, struck after two and 20 minutes to give Ireland what proved to be an unassailable lead and keep alive their hopes of clinching one of the top two spots in Group D.
The Republic might have won even more comfortably had Shane Long been able to find his touch in front of goal, although goalkeeper Darren Randolph had to make a fine first-half save from Sergiu Platica, who saw team-mate Alexandru Gatcan dismissed in stoppage time.
(Image: AFP)
(Image: Sportsfile)
The game slipped into something of a lull as both sides started to accept that the result was effectively beyond doubt, with the notable exception of Hoolahan.
His 76th-minute pass allowed Christie to trick his way past his marker and drill the ball to the near post, where Cebanu got there just ahead of Murphy.
(Image: AFP)
Murphy and Hoolahan left the pitch to rapturous applause when they were replaced by Harry Arter and Aiden McGeady with 12 minutes remaining.
Moldova's evening ended in disgrace when midfielder Alexandru Gatcan was dismissed for thrusting his head at Arter amid an angry stoppage-time exchange.