High stakes as Irish march on Moscow

THREE games to go in European Championship Group B qualifying and, according to Giovanni Trapattoni, that translates into “three cup finals” for Ireland.

Actually, that’s not strictly true. Certainly, today’s game in the imposing Luzhniki Stadium here in Moscow has a make-or-break feel to it — especially after Ireland’s stumble at home to Slovakia on Friday — but, with six points still up for grabs in October, nothing can be definitively decided between Russia and Ireland tonight.

Of course, victory for the home side would give them a sturdy-looking lock on top spot, especially with Andorra at home as their final test, but they also have to go to Slovakia before that. So, whatever happens in Moscow and Skopje tonight, there will definitely be a bit of work to be done before the race for second spot, and a play-off place, can be officially called.