The Republic of Ireland have won 3-1 in Moldova in their second group game in a result that has moved them up to second place in the group, level on points with Serbia. This was on a day that Serbia beat Austria 3-2 and Wales slumped to a poor 1-1 draw with Georgia in Cardiff.
The Group D standings after tonight's results pic.twitter.com/t4zuYAOMHm
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) October 9, 2016
Wales will be hugely disappointed with their result - Gareth Bale seemed at times to be trying to desperately haul his team-mates along with him but his efforts were in vain. Like Ireland, Wales are in danger of losing the momentum they built up during a terrific Euros campaign in France.
And for the Serbs it was Mitrovic from Newcastle who was the hero as they managed to defeat Austria. Ireland's point away to the Serbians doesn't look too bad given this result.
The Republic of Ireland's next opponents in Group D are Austria away on 12th November before hosting Wales in March.
But once again we must give thanks to the great set of lads that are the Georgians, who dug us out again. This time against Wales.
While Ireland have not fully convinced performance-wise yet, we do have seven points on the board having only played at home once, and already navigated the trip to Belgrade, a result which looks better with every passing week.
Now we face into a crucial run of games, with the trip to Vienna now as much of an opportunity as it is a challenge. Avoid defeat there - taking points off Austria in the process - and things will be looking good heading into 2017.
The top side is guaranteed a place at the World Cup, with all but one of the runners-up guaranteed a place in the play-off.
