Ireland’s hopes of reaching Euro 2016 remain in tact after a important 1-0 victory over Georgia in Dublin tonight.
The game was a rather lackluster affair with few chances for both teams. The plucky Georgians came to the Aviva stadium and setup to keep a stuttering Ireland at bay. The first half was edged by the nation that is ranked 147 in the world as they kept decent possession although they rarely threatened Shay Given’s goal. Ireland’s best chance came from none other than Robbie Keane who rather unusually blasted over from six yards after he was picked out by Robbie Brady from the left. Ireland started the second half much more brightly as Shane Long came on for the veteran Keane, the boys in green provided a threat down the right with Seamus Coleman supplying decent balls int the box.
The decisive goal came in the 69th minute when Jeff Hendrick delightfully beat three Georgian with an amazing run and slotted the ball to an incoming Jonathan Walters. Ireland managed to close out the remaining minutes and claim victory. Martin O’Neill’s men were further helped by group favourites Germany who beat Scotland 3-2 at Hamdon park. That result now leaves Ireland 4 points ahead of Scotland in third place in the group and gives Ireland a slight advantage in the race for a play-off.
Ireland now face two difficult games in October against Germany and finishing the campaign with a tricky away trip to Poland in order to reach France 2016.