Koller plays down hype

Marcel Koller may view the Republic of Ireland as slight favourites ahead of tonight’s World Cup qualifier, but the Austria manager is ready to upset the odds and the standings in Group C.

Weary of being disrespectful to Giovanni Trapattoni’s side, Koller yesterday played down the hype the local media were building up about the home team breezing through this clash.

Around the Austrian capital, the general view of this Irish team is hardly favourable, as they are labelled as being overly-defensive and relying heavily on their physicality.