Ireland’s record against Austria does not make for great reading ahead of our crucial game in Vienna. The last time we defeated the Austrians was in Dublin in 1963 in front of almost 40,000 at Dalymount Park in a European qualifier, which effectively made us quarter-finalists in the competition.
Having drawn 0-0 in Vienna three weeks earlier, Ireland progressed to the last eight of the European Nations Cup thanks to a 3-2 win with two goals coming from Manchester United’s Noel Cantwell.
Austria took the lead in the 38th minute through Walter Koleznik. Cantwell scored the equaliser just before half-time to spark a pitch-invasion from the capacity crowd at Dalymount.
The Irish side, including Johnny Giles and the great Charlie Hurley, regained the lead through a Karl Koller own goal on 65 minutes but with eight minutes left, the visitors levelled matters with a strike from Rudolf Flogel.
With just one minute remaining a handball in the Austrian box gifted Ireland a penalty. Cantwell stepped up to slot home to spark the second pitch invasion of the day and secure the win for Ireland.
The win over Austria essentially made Ireland quarter-finalists for the 1964 European Nations Cup. Up until 1980, only four teams qualified for the final tournament. Sadly over two legs to reach the finals, Ireland were beaten 5-1 by Spain in Seville before losing 2-0 in the return leg in Dalymount.
Of the 14 meetings between the sides, Ireland have only won twice. Despite a 2-2 Dublin draw in 2013 in World Cup qualifying, the last encounter saw the Boys in Green slump to a 1-0 defeat in the away fixture Vienna with a goal from David Alaba.
WATCH THE FOOTAGE OF IRELAND’S WIN IN 1963 FROM BRITISH PATHÉ
Team Picture: soccernostalgia.blogspot