This was the kind of game that frustrated as much as it delivered. When referee Milorad Mazic blew his whistle to signify full time, nobody knew what to think. Of course Irish fans were delighted that it wasn't a repeat of the 3-1 hammering Ireland suffered to end our hopes before the first game was over back in Euro 2012 but it still won't
But this was a game that promised much, much more in the opening 46 minutes. Jeff Hendrick (not Hendricks, despite what Eamon Dunphy thinks) showed that he is becoming one of those players who turns it on in the green of Ireland (a modern-day Jason McAteer perhaps?), Wes Hoolahan proved all the hipsters right, Robbie Brady showed that he is too good to be a Championship player, and most importantly, the side showed a bit of ambition and verve. Martin O'Neill acknowledged as much after the game.
We were fantastic, I don't know how we didn't come in maybe three in front at half time. The players are disappointed but they shouldn't be. They were brilliant.
It's not as if we didn't create chances, we created great chances, but that's football.
It was still a performance to be delighted with.
While the fact that Ireland don't seem to know what to do when they take the lead in a game is a worry - and Martin O'Neill's substitutions have a whiff of panicky desperation about them - at least Ireland still have a chance.
Still, on an evening when it's hard to know what to feel - enjoy the best Sportsfile photos taken at today's game. You can figure out your emotions tomorrow.
