The Republic of Ireland have played Georgia a good few times in the past eight years, and won every game, occasionally receiving some good luck on their way to victory.
In Giovanni Trapattoni’s first competitive game as manager Ireland beat Georgia 1-2 in Mainz, Germany. The game was moved due to the conflict between Georgia and Russia at the time, and Ireland benefited from the venue change.
Ireland beat Georgia 2-1 at Croke Park in 2009, thanks largely to a very contentious penalty decision.
Martin O’Neill’s side beat the eastern European’s 1-0 at the Aviva last September thanks to a Jon Walters goal, and a mazy run by Jeff Hendrick. Otherwise, there was little to suggest Ireland deserved to win.
A year before that, Aiden McGeady scored twice in the first competitive game under O’Neill. The Georgians were unfortunate to catch the Preston North End winger on a really good day.
While, on Thursday night at the Aviva, Ireland were outplayed for large spells against Georgia, but got the win thanks to a ludicrous goal by Seamus Coleman.
And then there’s the fact Georgia beat Scotland last September 1-0, ensuring the Scots dropped behind Ireland in qualifying for Euro 2016.
In short, our friends from the east have been good to us over the years, and have helped Ireland again tonight.
Wales, the top seeds in Group D, have dropped points against Georgia, drawing the World Cup qualification in game 1-1 in Cardiff.
Gareth Bale gave the home side the lead after 10 minutes.
https://twitter.com/RMadridHome_/status/785160591753121792
But Wales failed to build on their advantage and were pegged back when Tornike Okriashvili headed home after 57 minutes.
While it’s still early days in the group, Ireland fans will be pleased to see one of the team’s main rivals drop points at home.
Here’s Group D after Ireland’s 1-3 win away to Moldova:
#WCQ GROUP D STANDINGS (Europe)
Wales 1-1 Georgia
Moldova 1-3 Republic of Ireland
Serbia 3-2 Austria pic.twitter.com/MWIAqCxJhX— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 9, 2016
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