We're all set for a huge match at the Aviva Stadium this Sunday, as Martin O'Neill's Republic of Ireland side take on Poland in a crucial Group D encounter that will no doubt have a big say in the fortunes of both sides as they attempt to qualify for Euro 2016.
In order to gain an insight to how the game might play out, we consulted the consumer of lives that is Football Manager 2015 because everybody knows that the game is basically real life.
So with that in mind, here's how the Boys In Green got on.
The Result:
A fiercely contested 2-2 draw.
Early Polish pressure punished a nervy start from Ireland, and Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski made us pay on 14 minutes. Ireland settled into the game from then on as the Poles defended their lead, and Martin O'Neill's half-time team talk clearly worked wonders as Aiden McGeady fired in the equaliser on 55 minutes.
We were all set for a huge win when Seamus Coleman popped up with a massive goal in the 86th minute, but just like Italy in 2009 and bloody Alberto Gilardino, the euphoria of the late goal caused a late lapse in concentration which gifted Poland a chance to take a point from the penalty spot. Radoslaw Majewski took full advantage.
Disappointing considering we almost had 3 points, but would you take that draw now?
The Stats:
Apart from Ireland winning out in almost every area, the most notable thing is that the Poles were absolute filth! 20 fouls committed, and only one card to show for it. Clearly we have been screwed by the ref here, quick, somebody create a Facebook group!
The Player Ratings:
Kyle Naughton's inclusion was a... Surprise. James McCarthy scooped the man of the match award for his goal-scoring performance, and Seamus Coleman who came on at left-back for the injured Robbie Brady ended up getting what he thought was the winner.
So how will we get on this Sunday? We'll have to wait and find out. We highly doubt Kyle Naughton will declare for Ireland and be drafted into the squad by then, however.
