WATCH: FAI release an entirely necessary explanation for how the Nations League works

Ah, now we get it... We think.

The Nations League kicks off on Thursday night, as Ireland travel to Cardiff to play against Wales. As a fanbase, we will support our Boys in Green through anything, but we could also be forgiven for not feeling particularly optimistic about this one. Wales are a good side, and our team is going through what can only be described as a bad patch... But the less said about that the better, and sure we'll try to remain hopeful. Who knows what might happen? As much uncertainty as there is around our squad at the minute, there is undeniably more surrounding the Nations League itself. It's international football's brand new format, that has replaced friendlies in between qualifying campaigns, and something that we're going to have to get used to. So you may be wondering what the hell it is? Is it a league? What do you get if you win? Is there any point to it at all? Well, luckily the FAI have come to the rescue and provided a much-needed explanation video, telling us exactly what to expect from the entire thing. https://twitter.com/FAIreland/status/1037306851917012992 So there you have it. It all makes sense now, we think. Some of the major points that we can take from the video are:

• You can qualify for Euro 2020 via the Nations League.
• But you will have to go through the play-off stage.
• But there is a separate qualifying campaign as usual.
• Groups are decided based on the team's coefficient.
• There will be home and away ties in the league.
• There is a trophy for the winner.

Now. We think we need a lie down after trying to work all of that out.