Seamus Coleman goal makes world of difference

The summer in France seemed a long way off at the Aviva last night and, for lengthy and depressing spells of this game, the prospect of a summer in Russia seemed even further.

But after an abject first half for Ireland, captain Seamus Coleman, on the occasion of his 40th cap, managed to come up with a solo goal which mixed wonder and blunder, to tilt the game decisively in the home side’s favour and, ultimately, add another three points to their Group D haul.

I think this is what they mean by ‘winning ugly’.