Branislav Ivanovic: Shane Long and Jon Walters were a nightmare to mark

Skipper Branislav Ivanovic saluted Serbia's bravery after they survived a "nightmare" challenge in Dublin to edge their way to the brink of World Cup qualification.

Aleksandar Kolarov's goal secured a 1-0 win over Group D rivals the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday to leave the Serbs four points clear of second-placed Wales and a further point better off than Martin O'Neill's men with just two games to play.