Giovanni Trapattoni: Brazil belief growing among Republic of Ireland squad

Republic of Ireland are increasingly confident of qualifying for next year's World Cup, according to Giovanni Trapattoni.

The Irish go into Tuesday's home game with Austria level on points with their visitors and fourth in Group C following Friday's goalless draw in Sweden.

The last time Trapattoni sent out a side for a competitive game in Dublin they were hammered 6-1 by current group leaders Germany.

But on the eve of Austria's visit the Italian said: "We have shown we are a good team, compact with good personality. The players played with conviction and good attitude in Sweden and are growing in belief that we can qualify.

"We must try win this game, but we must also play with intelligence because there are many games to come before qualification is finished. We have to be in contention until the very last game.

"It will be important to stay up with Sweden because Germany are too far ahead. But I have a lot of trust in this group and I am convinced we can improve even more."
Qualfication for successive major tournaments has not been achieved since Jack Charlton's day but that is the goal for Trapattoni, who took the Irish to Euro 2012 in the summer.