What a performance! Ireland have secured a huge 3-0 win over Montenegro, putting them very much on the path towards qualification for Euro 2021.
It was a convincing performance from Vera Pauw's side, who took the lead through Diane Caldwell in the first. They were frustrated for much of the second half, but a piece of brilliance from Katie McCabe secured the all-important second goal.
The Arsenal winger stood up and buried a free-kick into the corner of the net, all but securing the three points. Denise O'Sullivan made certain of the win a few moments later.
What a free-kick from Katie McCabe 😬
Ireland secure a 3-0 win in Montenegro 🇮🇪pic.twitter.com/xYNPJfhc2E— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) March 11, 2020
The one moves Ireland to the top of 'Group I', although they have played one more game than Germany.
So what does that mean for Ireland's qualification hopes? In short, this was a massively important result in our quest to reach a first ever major tournament.
Qualification Permutations
Here are Ireland's remaining fixtures:
Germany vs Ireland - 11/4/20
Ukraine vs Ireland - 5/6/2o
Ireland vs Germany - 22/9/20
While Ireland may sit top of the group as things stand, it is unlikely that will be the case after all eight games are played. Germany are one of the powerhouses of European football and will expected to win every fixture.
They have already won four games from four, scoring 31 goals along the way. They will face Ireland twice and will be heavy favourites.
However, second place might not be all that bad a spot to be in. What's more, it looks like Ireland have all but secured a top two finish.
Greece will struggle to catch Ireland considering they already played them twice, while Ukraine would likely have to win all five of their remaining games in order to finish in second. Considering they still have to play Ireland and Greece (twice) that looks fairly unlikely.
So what does second place get us?
Runner-ups in the group will be guaranteed at least a play-off and it could be even better than that. The three best placed second teams will go straight into the finals, with Ireland looking increasingly likely to get one of those positions.
A win over Ukraine, even accounting for two losses against Germany, would put Ireland in a very strong position.
Of the teams who are likely to finish second, only Denmark in 'Group B' have more points than Ireland. Switzerland currently have 12 points after four games played in 'Group H'.
A win over Ukraine would leave Ireland on 16 points, and with the best of the rest of the contenders such as Iceland and Russia on nine points, they would be favourites to secure one of the top three positions.
Even if they fail to do so, they will be amongst the strongest teams in the play-offs.
Summary
- Ireland look all but guaranteed to get second place in 'Group I', guaranteeing at least a play-off.
- A win over Ukraine would make them favourites to be one of the best three second placed teams, and automatically secure a spot in the finals.
Things are looking good.
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