Ireland's group rivals Austria and Wales fought to a 2-2 draw in Vienna, but the game will be remembered for one breathtaking save by Austrian goalkeeper Robert Almer.
Joe Allen gave Wales the lead away from home before his Stoke teammate Marko Arnautovic levelled for the hosts. An own goal by Austria's Kenny Wimmer meant Arnautovic was forced to repeat his feat, and the game finished 2-2 which likely isn't the worst result for Ireland.
It was before any of that, however, when the most remarkable moment of the match occurred. After six minutes, a thunderous Gareth Bale header seemed - for the split second it zipped through the Vienna air - to be destined to find the corner of the Austrian net, before Austria Wien 'keeper Robert Almer made an extraordinary stop to his left - reaching out to claw the header away with a wonderful reflex action.
ASTONISHING SAVE! That is how you keep out Gareth Bale. Austria v Wales is on SS1 now: https://t.co/QWLExWfmBZ https://t.co/9uNA7kuxu8
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 6, 2016
One of the best saves you'll see all season, and one which keeps Austria in the hunt for top spot along with Wales and, arguably, Ireland.
The game, however, was marred by the following celebration by both David Alaba and Marko Arnautovic.
POWERFUL Arnautovic & Alaba with the celebration. @hugomoss69 https://t.co/ZYUmtPH6Yo
— Alex Moss (@asmoss92) October 6, 2016
