Manager Marcel Koller believes Austria can still qualify

Now that catching Ireland looks well beyond them, Austria are turning their attention to Serbia and Wales which could benefit Martin O’Neill’s side as the World Cup campaign hurtles towards the business end.

The concession of a late equaliser and two points in Dublin yesterday means Austria need a four-point swing and a vastly-improved goal difference to usurp Ireland in the Group D standings.

“There are 12 points to play for and we’ll battle for every one of them,” vowed Marcel Koller, the visiting manager heading for the sack unless a late turnaround somehow navigates them a play-off spot and a route to Russia next year.