On Saturday, we took a game-by-game look at what Ireland need to do to qualify for Euro 2016 and at the time, everything looked nice and simple. We speculated that 20 points would guarantee us second place and thanks to Aiden McGeady and his frustrating but wonderful ability, we got off to the perfect start. However, Ireland and Georgia weren't the only teams in action in Group D.
Germany defeated Scotland 2-1, while Poland turned over Gibraltar 7-0. But what do all these results mean for Ireland's chance of qualification?
Georgia vs. Ireland
On Saturday, we said that 20 points would pretty much guarantee Ireland second place behind the Germans. That would probably require six points from Gibraltar and Georgia and four points from Scotland and Poland. Even if we were to settle for a play-off place in third, the 2-1 victory in Tbilisi could end up being one of the most vital matches of the campaign.
Since we are so evenly matched with Scotland and Poland it's not too much of a stretch to assume that the three teams will take quite a few points off each other. That could mean that whomever does worst against Georgia, could be out of luck in fourth or even fifth position.
Looking at our predications, the win Tbilisi leaves us in a perfect position to claim either second (left) or third (right) place.
Germany vs. Scotland
This was either a very encouraging result for Ireland or one which could signal the beginning of the end of our chance of finishing in second position. The 2-1 result will have shocked quite a few people, particularly when you consider that it took a Thomas Muller goal in the 70th minute to claim the three points. However, the tight result didn't entirely match the run of play.
Scotland were out-played in the first half and, on another night, Germany could have went in at half-time at least 3-0 to the good. They didn't though, and the fact that Ikechi Anya was able to equalise for Scotland should give heart to Martin O'Neill's men. Attempting to hit Germany on the break can bear fruit, we just need to make sure that we defend an awful lot better than Scotland did for Muller's winner.
Looking ahead to Scotland, there's no doubting that Gordon Strachan has them playing at their best level for a number of years. Having said that, there's certainly no reason to fear them. The quality of the Scottish side hasn't really improved since the days of George Burley and Craig Levein but the belief has, and if Ireland are to take at least four points from them, we'll have to match that belief.
Gibraltar vs. Poland
Having said that, the seven goals that Poland eventually rocked up could be a marker for what Ireland have to do in October. A tight group could very easily come down to goal difference so let's hope Aiden McGeady keeps hold of those newly discovered scoring boots.
Picture credit: David Maher / SPORTSFILE
