There have only been two goals elsewhere in the 17:00 GMT kick-offs, by the way. Croatia lead Iceland 1-0, while Georgia are 1-0 up against Moldova.

I've just seen a few more replays of that Jon Walters chance - it really was a great opportunity to give the Republic the lead. The ball sat up a bit, yes, but Martin O'Neill's men will do well to create another chance as good as that one.

Image source, EPA

Not sure I can see the Premier League's big clubs going for that one!

Any other ideas to spice up these long international breaks? Let us know #bbcfootball, external

mmee3087: Utterly detest international weekends, especially Friday games, even more so if my team goes into it on a bad result. Boring. PL teams could play on international weekends - would force them to pick academy players. Or league cup ties. Anything but this.

Image source, Reuters

This is a significant match for Wales, who are third in the group and two points behind Serbia.

This is the most pressure they have faced since their historic run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, and captain Ashley Williams senses a similarity to the 1-0 win over Belgium in 2015 which was pivotal to Wales qualifying for the European Championship.

"It's massive. It has a bit of a similar feel to that Belgium game," said Williams.

There are five games tonight - here's the full list:

Ukraine v Finland (19:45 GMT)

Wales v Serbia (19:45 GMT)

Albania v Israel (19:45 GMT)

Liechtenstein v Italy (19:45 GMT)

Spain v Macedonia (19:45 GMT)

No. 

Will that flurry of chances lead us to a goal before the interval? 

Shane Duffy is the first man in the book for a hand on the head of Marc Janko. Nothing in it. 

What a chance! The game has come to life! Robbie Brady whips in a brilliant first-time cross, right across the six-yard line and Jon Walters slides in, side-foots it over the top.

He was six inches away from the opener...

It's scrappy, but when the ball is on the floor it's being used better by the Austrians. They've had 65% of possession.

The hosts have made 192 passes, completing 72% of them.

The Republic have attempted 96 passes, completing just 59%. Sloppy.

Image source, PA

That's it...no! What a great move, Marko Arnautovic sliding a cute pass into the run of Marcel Sabitzer, he chips Darren Randolph but kisses the angle of post and bar. It is put back in by Kevin Wimmer and Marc Janko is there for a tap-in until a perfectly timed block!

The best football of the night so far.

Image source, Reuters

Indeed, in the as it stands table the Republic of Ireland are top of the group. Austria run out of patience with their latest attack and Alessandro Schopf shoots tamely at Darren Randolph. 

Image source, PA

Marko Arnautovic makes a run off the back of the Irish midfield and is about to get a shot away until Seamus Coleman makes a cracking tackle/block. 

It's punctuated with fouls and refereeing whistles though. Is a 0-0 a good point for Martin O'Neill?

I'd wager YES. 

The game has gone very, very scrappy. Shane Duffy flicks a free-kick wide though - to use a cliche, a set-piece looks the most likely route to goal for the Republic. 

What are your feelings toward the international break? Ruins a weekend? Or makes it?

They need to do something to liven up qualifying campaigns in my opinion. Too many dead groups, too much boring football.

Image source, Rex Features

David Meyler's first action is key as Marc Janko stretches to get a shot away but the Hull midfielder closes down the striker well enough to put him off. 

Glenn Whelan hobbles off and instantly has the top of his leg heavily strapped. Don't look, Mark Hughes.

David Meyler is on in his place in midfield. Any stoppage is welcomed by the visitors as it is disrupting the fine start made by Austria. 

Image source, Reuters

Postpublished at 23 mins

23 mins

Austria 0-0 Republic of Ireland

Glenn Whelan is down in the middle, the physio gives the international hand gesture for 'he's going to have to come off.'

Looks like a busted hamstring.