We have a half decent chance of qualifying.
Last week it looked unlikely, but after beating Gibraltar and Georgia, along with the Scots slipping against Georgia, Ireland suddenly have a handy shout at going to the Euros next year.
It’s all about the last two qualifying games now, with Germany (home) and Poland (away) – our two main rivals now – awaiting in October. As it stands, though, Martin O’Neill’s men are standing in a much healthier position.
With the top two automatically qualifying and third place going into a play-off (best third place finish over all the groups go straight through to the Euros), there are a few different ways that the Boys in Green can get on that flight to France next summer.
We beat Germany and Poland:
It would be the stuff of legend if we beat the world champions and the Poles in their own backyard.
Hardly likely to happen but if the minor miracle does occur then we would guarantee ourselves a top two finish.
We beat one and draw with the other:
Beating Poland and drawing with Germany isn’t beyond the realms of possibility. If it does happen then we have ourselves a top three finish.
This scenario could get even better because if Scotland hold Poland then we’ll get bumped up to second and scouting online for cheap air fares. If we defeat Germany and draw with Poland then we need a favour from the Scots, when they face the Poles, to secure automatic qualification.
We beat one and lose to the other:
Similar to the above, if we beat Poland and they don’t beat Scotland we’ll finish second. If we just beat Germany then third spot will definitely have our name on it.
We draw both games:
We could do this and still finish third, but if Scotland beat Poland then we’re gone as we’ll be level on points with goal difference but have an inferior goal difference.
We get just a point from the two remaining games:
As long as Scotland don’t beat Poland then we’re golden. If we get a draw in either game and Scotland upset Poland then we’re going nowhere next summer.
We get nought against Germany and Poland.
Believe it or not, Ireland could still finish third and get into the play-offs so long as Scotland get nothing against Poland. Otherwise, our Scottish pals will overtake us and leave us teary-eyed.
