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09th Oct 2015

What Ireland now need to do to automatically qualify for Euro 2016

It's in our hands

Colm Boohig

We could be going straight to the Euros with a good result this Sunday.

After last night’s incredible match at the Aviva, Ireland have definitely secured a Euro 2016 play-off, but we could yet go straight through to the finals next summer.

With our standings after nine games identical, Martin O’Neill’s men travel to Poland this Sunday for what is essentially a qualifying cup final.

Scotland are now totally out of contention and if Germany beat Georgia on Sunday they’ll win the group.

Irish Euro Group table 2

Poland v Ireland

A win for either side means flight-pricing for France can begin for the respective nations, but if it’s a draw then the Poles will have more of an advantage.

Ireland drew 1-1 with Poland in Dublin and with the head-to-head record counting, Ireland have to draw 2-2 or above to secure automatic qualification.

We can only go straight through with a low-scoring draw if Georgia defeat Germany, and that’s quite unlikely.

DUBLIN, IRELAND - OCTOBER 08: Shane Long of Republic of Ireland scores the opening goal under pressure from Jerome Boateng of Germany uring the UEFA EURO 2016 Qualifier group D match between Republic of Ireland and Germany at the Aviva Stadium on October 8, 2015 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)

What about the best third-place finish over all the groups?

There is an extra automatic qualifying spot for the country which finishes third and has the best record between all of the groups.

The points amassed against the team that finishes last in every group doesn’t count when determining the best third-place finisher (because Group I only has five teams).

Is this likely to be Ireland? We have a chance, despite our goal difference not being great.

Hungary look on course to snatch that place in Group F, but if they fail to beat Greece and Ireland draw with Poland then automatic qualification from third-place could be a possibility.

Clear as mud, eh.

It’s all about Sunday in Warsaw now and we can’t wait.