Showdown at the Aviva

FUNNY how things are much clearer when viewed from a high mountain.

As what had for so long been a fiendishly complicated qualifying group finally comes to its final round of games, Ireland now know that one point in Tuesday’s meeting with Armenia in Dublin will secure a play-off place for the European Championship finals.

After yesterday’s Group B wins for Russia and Armenia, Ireland secured the victory they needed in Andorra La Vella last night, though after a bright start they huffed and puffed a bit to confirm their superiority in a venue so modest as to make Richmond Park look like the Nou Camp.