Trapattoni and Ireland face uphill battle to qualify.

The Republic of Ireland face an uphill battle if they are to reach the World Cup finals in Brazil next summer. After losing 2-1 at home to Sweden last week, Ireland travel to Austria where a win could potentially lift them to second spot. Reaching the playoffs is not out of their reach but goal difference is not on their side so they may have to rely on other nations helping them out.

Friday night got off to a great start when veteran forward, Robbie Keane scored his 60th international goal to give Ireland a 1-0 lead. However Sweden managed to overturn that defecit to win 2-1 thanks to goals from Elmander and Svensson.

That defeat has added more pressure to Republic’s manager Giovanni Trapattoni and if they fail to win in Austria, their dreams must be all but over has they still have to play Germany away.

Prior to the loss Robbie Keane said Ireland must avoid defeat to have any chance to reach Brazil next year. Well it is now or never for the Republic. Shane Long had a good game at Dublin last week but Ireland require goals, something that they have lacked even with Robbie Keane up top.

All tied on 11 points, Sweden have a goal difference of five and Austria of seven, whereas the Republic of Ireland only have a goal difference of one. Goals can win games and they can certainly be the difference come the end of the qualifying group.

The likes of James McCarthy, Everton’s new signing and Wigan’s James McClean may also need to step up on the goals front if Ireland are to reach the playoffs of the World Cup qualifying stages.

The reverse tie ended 2-2 in Dublin where Jon Walters brace looked to have secured Ireland all three points but Bayern Munich’s David Alaba scored in second half injury time to break Irish hearts.

If Ireland cut out some defensive errors they have the firepower and creativity to get a result in Austria.

Score Prediction: Austria 0-1 Republic of Ireland.

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