Georgia shock disrupts group pattern

After turning over a rock, Ireland are suddenly in less of a hard place.

Matches like this one against Gibraltar are always difficult to get excited by and the inevitability of a win makes them feel utterly inconsequential, but this could yet be one of the most meaningful nights in the group — and one that keeps Irish enthusiasm very much alive.

Because, as Germany beat Poland by two and a previously high-flying Scotland unexpectedly slipped up away to Georgia, Ireland did their part by defeating the minnows and perhaps generated a new momentum that could yet mean the closing stages of this group are very different to what has gone before.