Ireland now have to go through a play-off in order to reach Euro 2016 in France next summer.
Ireland were beaten 2-1 by Poland in Warsaw tonight and they now finish third in the group which means a play-off in November. Ireland were 1-0 down after 20 mins when a well worked corner by Poland put them in front, but Ireland were level in less than two minutes as Thursday night’s hero Shane Long was fouled inside the box and John Walters stepped up to make it 1-1. Poland retained the majority in the first half took the lead just before half time when the Irish defence was split open and Robert Lewandowski headed home after a ball was whipped in from the right. Ireland began the second half much more brightly but failed to create many chances although Richard Keogh missed a glaring chance from six yards when he head straight at Lukas Fabinanski. The night got worse for Ireland when John O’Shea was sent off for a second bookable offence when he dragged down Lewandowski when he was clear of the Irish defence.
Poland managed to hang on and book their place in France next summer.
Ireland will now know there fate later this week as the draw for the play-offs will be made next Sunday.