Two wins.
That’s what’s required of Ireland now to try and secure a playoff place for the World Cup.
Either two wins or hope that Georgia hold Wales and then try and hold Wales ourselves. That’s probably what we’ll aim for actually. We need to avoid a scenario where we have to win.
The 1-0 loss to Serbia means it’s three points from the last four games – three of those were at home – and Wales’ win in Moldova pushes them into second place. After taking 10 points from the first four clashes of Group D – a draw in Serbia and a win in Vienna setting the Republic up perfectly at the top of the group for the turn of the year – Ireland’s hopes of qualification are hanging on a thread now.
It was a decent performance on Tuesday against the Serbs in fairness. We had intent at least. We were positive at least – until we took Wes Hoolahan off after the hour mark. And we tried to win at least and looked the better team – until Kolarov put a hole in Darren Randolph’s palms with a stinging effort for the only goal of the night.
Here’s how the players got on in a good display – but poor result.
Darren Randolph – 6
Obliterated.
Cyrus Christie – 5
Difficult.
Shane Duffy – 6
Horse.
Ciaran Clark – 7
Oasis.
Stephen Ward – 6
Eager.
David Meyler – 7
Whelan.
James McClean – 6
Mincing.
Robbie Brady – 6
Tidy.
Wes Hoolahan – 7
Injustice.
Jon Walters – 6
Quiet.
Shane Long – 6
Linesman.
Subs
Daryl Murphy – 7
Impact.
Callum O’Dowda – 5
Ripped.
Conor Hourihane – 5
Confidence.
