Sebastian Prodl limped off in the first half as Austria saw their hopes of World Cup qualification suffer a potentially fatal blow following a 1-0 defeat to Wales in Cardiff last night.

The Hornets centre-half was forced out of the contest in the 27th minute, shortly after being booked, with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

Like club-mate Daniel Bachmann, who was an unused substitute, Prodl then had to look on as Wales boss Chris Coleman sent on 17-year-old Liverpool striker Ben Woodburn in the 69th minute.

And within five minutes, the teenager ensured it would be a dream debut by firing home the winner from 22 yards to move his nation to within two points of second-placed Republic of Ireland in Group D.

The defeat leaves Austria five points behind the Republic with three group games remaining, starting with Tuesday’s home fixture with Georgia.

Elsewhere, Brice Dja Djedje was an unused substitute as Ivory Coast won 3-0 in Gabon to go top of Group C in African World Cup qualification.

A Seydou Doumbia brace and a goal from Max Gradel moved Marc Wilmots’ side two points clear of Morocco ahead of Tuesday’s home return with Gabon.