Republic of Ireland are yet to find a goal in their must-win game against Austria in Vienna, with the scores 0-0 at the break.

Austria created the first promising chance of the game when Andreas Wiemann got down the right before curling a ball towards the far post, but John O'Shea did well to put the lingering Guido Burgstaller off as the ball bounced behind to safety.

Republic of Ireland hit back soon after to produce the game's first real sniff at goal as Jonathan Walters made the most of a David Alaba mistake, allowing him to put a cross to the far post, where Shane Long was just unable to reach it.

Robbie Keane then went close as he drilled an inviting ball on the half-volley across goal, missing both the bottom corner and the advancing Long.

Austria were dangerous on the counter and showed promise when Alaba worked his way to the edge of the area before testing David Forde, who turned the ball away for a corner. Forde was again called into action when Martin Harnik picked up a loose ball before forcing another good save from the Republic of Ireland keeper.

Written by
Christopher Dodd