A late equaliser from David Alaba has cost the Republic of Ireland victory over Austria in their World Cup qualifier at the Aviva Stadium this evening.

© PA Photos

It was the visitors who had the better start of the two sides, as Alaba saw his 35-yard effort edge wide inside the opening two minutes.

Martin Harnik gave Austria the lead in the 11th minute, after Ciaran Clark lost the ball for the hosts, allowing Zlatko Junozovic to set up the goal.

However, the Irish side were awarded a penalty after Shane Long was brought down by Emanuel Pogatetz, which Jonathan Walters fired in to level the scores.

© PA Photos

The hosts forced a corner just before half time, which Walters managed to head in having shaken off Austrian captain Christian Fuchs, who had been marking him.

The fast-paced first half seemed to have taken its toll after the break, as neither side showed the energy levels of the first 45 minutes.

Neither side looked like adding to their first-half totals, as Ireland defended deeply and the visitors struggled to penetrate the final third of the pitch.

Alaba broke into the Ireland deep into stoppage time, picking up a pass from Harnik to level the scores with just seconds left to play.

The result leaves Austria and the Republic of Ireland on eight points in Group C, level with Sweden for second place.