It’s all so simple now.
Scotland have drawn 2-2 against Slovenia and have been pipped to second place in Group F.
The result means Slovakia now take 12 points into the second place playoff standings. It also means Ireland can secure a playoff spot by beating Wales on Monday night.
Martin O’Neill’s men now know all they have to do before their crucial clash at the Millennium Stadium.
He may wind Rangers fans up something fierce but Leigh Griffiths was the toast of the entire Scottish nation on Sunday. The Celtic forward made it 1-0 to the Scots with a well taken goal and that is how it stood at half-time.
HALF TIME | Slovenia 0-1 Scotland. We lead thanks to Leigh Griffiths' goal in the 32nd minute. #SVNSCO https://t.co/OEBu3L310T
— Scottish FA (@ScottishFA) October 8, 2017
Slovenia needed to win to give themselves a chance of reaching the playoffs themselves and they were indebted to Roman Bezjak for his brace, turning a one-goal deficit into a 2-1 lead.
Robert Snodgrass got a late equaliser but the Scots could not find the winner and finished on 18 points, but with only 12 to take through to the second place playoff standings.
That result leaves Ireland with a great chance of making the World Cup playoffs.
Group D
First of all, Ireland will need to beat Wales on Monday to give themselves any chance. Do that and they finish on 19 points overall but 13 points to go towards the playoff standings.
There is an outside chance Ireland could top Group D if they win in Cardiff and Serbia lose to Georgia. A Serbia draw would mean Ireland would have to beat Wales by four goals to top the group and qualify automatically.
Here are Ireland’s other chances of reaching the playoffs, assuming they beat Wales.
Group C
Northern Ireland are in second place and have 13 points, at present, to take into the playoffs picture. They are away against Norway, in Oslo, for their final game so if they lose, Ireland could match their total by beating the Welsh. Lose by more than a goal and it makes Ireland’s chances even better.
- Norway v Northern Ireland (Sunday evening)
Group H
Bosnia and Greece are chasing second spot with the Bosnians two points adrift at present. Belgium have already topped the group and qualified. Greece look likely to beat bottom side Gibraltar on Tuesday evening – leaving them on 13 points and a +4 goal difference to take into the playoff standings.
Bosnia look doomed to finish third and Greece have a far superior goal difference and goals scored tally than Ireland. The most likely scenario from this group is Greece beating Gibraltar. It would mean Ireland would have to beat Wales by four clear goals, to pip them, but Martin O’Neill’s men have the distinct disadvantage of playing their final game 24 hours before Group H concludes.
- Estonia v Bosnia (Tuesday)
- Greece v Gibraltar (Tuesday)
Group I
Croatia and Ukraine are deadlocked on points and joint in second place. A draw would see Croatia finish with 12 points – which Ireland can overtake with one more win.
- Croatia v Ukraine (Monday)
