Thanks for your emails and tweets and for generally sticking with me. I have to shoot off now. Do go and watch the new Blade Runner. It’s brilliant. As is the first film. Watch that too. Bye.
So, what does all that mean? In Group D, Wales or Republic of Ireland could still qualify automatically if Serbia lose at home to Georgia but is that likely? If Serbia draw, Wales can qualify automatically with a win but not Ireland, unless they win by five goals against Wales.
In Group G, Spain have qualified and Italy are guaranteed second so the last round of games may as well be scrapped.
But in Group I, Iceland only have to beat Kosovo at home to guarantee qualification after a late equaliser from Finland, who were away from home, pegged back Croatia. Ukraine are still in contention too. They play who? Croatia of course. What a game that will be.
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Full-time scores
Group D: Georgia 0-1 Wales, Austria 3-2 Serbia, Rep of Ireland 2-0 Moldova
Group G: Italy 1-1 Macedonia, Liechtenstein 0-1 Israel, Spain 3-0 Albania
Group I: Croatia 1-1 Finland, Kosovo 0-2 Ukraine, Turkey 0-3 Iceland
Full-time: Turkey 0-3 Iceland
Bjork, Sigur Ros, that big fella from that really good but really dark drama on BBC 4 that one time, just stand back and admire that result. If Iceland beat Kosovo at home they’re going to Russia.
“While we’re on the subject of unlikely hammerings of Turkey by small nations,” writes Pádraig McAuliffe, “have a look at this.” Cheeky.
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Spain qualify for the World Cup!
They won 3-0 while Italy were held 1-1 by Macedonia.
Full-time: Rep of Ireland 2-0 Moldova
They got there. And the Serbia defeat will have given them a spring in their step as they shape up to face Wales on Monday.
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Goal! Kosovo 0-2 Ukraine
Ukraine move level on points with Croatia in second place. I don’t know who scored this late goal as the game appears to be played in a dead zone and updates are scarce.
Goal! Croatia 1-1 Finland (Soiri 90)
Soiri fires inside the near post and Iceland’s night just gets better and better!
Goal! Austria 3-2 Serbia (Arnautovic 90)
It’s him again! He’ll be welcome in Cardiff and Dublin anytime.
89 min: Ireland are in no trouble now. They look re-energised by their changes and are comfortable once more. And here’s an email: “Overpaid Premier League players?” offers Richard Adams. “So far tonight, goals from Derby, Aberdeen, Burnley, Aston Villa and Notts Forest players. And two assists from a Reading player. Insert the emoji of your choice here.” I can’t do emojis so this will have to do : )
Goal! Austria 2-2 Serbia (Matic 88)
The midfielder, who would never have got that far forwards in his role for Manchester United, pokes home after a goalmouth scramble to score a vital away goal.
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85 min: A dazed and confused Kari Tulinius writes: “Having grown up watching Iceland play like, well, a small island nation from the far edge of nowhere, this sustained period of football quality is taking a long time getting used to. One of the first games I can remember, back in 1988, was Iceland drawing 1-1 against Turkey in Istanbul. For years that counted as one of the national team’s finest results. That three decades later Iceland are beating Turkey 3-0 in Istanbul seems scarcely believable. And the score is no fluke, Iceland have been much better. If it stays as is, this might be their best ever game.”
JR from Illinois gets his wish. O’Neill goes crazy with the changes. Ireland take off Wessi and replace him with McGeady. Murphy is off for Arter – so no hat-trick for him – and Long is replaced by Maguire.
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Timothy Smith, who may well live in a seaside town and make a living gazing into a crystal ball, wrote this before kick-off: “Looking at the line ups, I anticipate a nicely poised draw drifting towards 80 minutes, when FYR Macedonia bring the tasty-sounding, Trickovski and Trajkovski, off the bench to work their magic.”
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Goal! Italy 1-1 Macedonia (Trajkovski 78)
Well, that’s a bit embarrassing.
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Goal! Austria 2-1 Serbia (Arnautovic 76)
Well, this makes things interesting. The West Ham forward slams one into the bottom-left hand corner to wild cheers from Ireland and Wales fans.
75 min: Gerard Pique was substituted to applause from Spain’s fans – who have jeered him all night – a few minutes ago and replaced by Nacho. He’s had a tough night in Alicante.
71 min: Ireland are playing like they’re leading 1-0 in the final of the World Cup and there are two minutes remaining. They’re desperately hacking clear and treating the ball like an unpinned hand grenade. They’re going to make a change soon. Maybe JR from Illinois will get his wish.
69 min: That Ukraine goal was an important one. They’re within two points of Croatia and Iceland so Russia has not fallen away out of view just yet.
66 min: “I’m wondering why Hoolahan started the second half and is still out there. For the love of all that is Holy take him off and get him resting. Surely O’Neill plans to start him Monday, doesn’t he? If he doesn’t there is going to be one angry person in the middle of Illinois, “ writes JR in Illinois, rapidly turning purple. “Also, in Ireland’s technical area I believe Steve Walford is wearing a suit but not wearing socks. I need to have another look to be absolutely sure but I’m fairly confident I am correct. DEAR GOD SHANE LONG! Another miss. Mercy.” Get a drink JR. Calm down man.
Goal! Kosovo 0-1 Ukraine (Paqarada 60 OG)
There’s been a goal and I’m surprised anyone knows about it as weather at the Loro-Boriçi Stadium has been so bad that the feed has gone down on numerous occasions.
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61 min: Shane Long fails to get his feet in order as the ball breaks to him just outside the six-yard box. The result is that he sends a shot flying past the far-post when the goal was wide open. It was a nifty break and in stark contrast to the flow of the second half in which Ireland have been ploddy and pedestrian – a bit like Everton (or England last night) to be honest.
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Goal! Croatia 1-0 Finland (Mandzukic 59)
The Juventus forward gives Croatia fans that Friday feeling by pouncing on a rebound to lift the home side ahead of Iceland on goal difference in Group I. Oof! Is Jari Litmanen on the Finland bench? He could still do a job.
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“Is Sharp starring in Sheffield United’s new movie at the IMAX theatre that you recommend Gregg?” asks Raymond Reardon, who may be a few scoops into his Friday night stash of mood-enhancers. Erm. No.
55 min: Beep! Beep! Beep! Ireland have reversed into their own half and are inviting Moldova on to them.
Goal! Turkey 0-3 Iceland (Arnason 50)
Imagine if England were as exciting as Iceland. What a night! Gunnarsson pokes the ball to Kari Arnason after Turkey fail to clear and the Aberdeen defender pokes home. Wonderful stuff.
50 min: Over in Alicante, not only is Spain’s Gerard Pique being booed by his own fans, he’s now got a yellow card for taking out his frustration on an Albania player.
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48 min: Moldova have begun the second half with a little more urgency. They’ve actually got into Ireland’s half and clipped a few balls in towards their lonely centre-forward.
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Peep! The second-half action is under way!
And in Dublin, there’s a rousing rendition of Fields of Athenry to greet the second 45 minutes.
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Mark Asch, who I shall call our Iceland correspondent, writes: “In Eskişehir, Reading’s Jón Daði Bödvarsson is having the game of his life—he carried forward dangerously to the byline to slide across the pass for the first goal, and on the second, with his back to goal at the edge of the area, he took three defenders and out of the play to release Birkir one-on-one with the keeper. All this aside from his typically duglegur hold-up play, which is giving Iceland lots of space in the middle of the pitch as they clear their lines from deep in their own area.”
Before I came into the office tonight, I watched the new Blade Runner film at the IMAX. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say it’s a magnificent piece of sci-fi noir brilliance and that you should go and watch it.
So as it stands in Group D, Serbia are top on 19 points, Wales, in second, are on 17 points and Ireland are third on 16 points.
In Group G, Spain are heading for qualification. They’re out in front on 25 points, with Italy second on 22 points but with a massively inferior goal difference.
And in Group I, Iceland are on 19 points as it stands, with Croatia second on 17 points, Ukraine – who are drawing 0-0 with Kosovo – are in third on 15 points with Turkey fourth and out of the picture (at the moment) on 14 points.
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Half-time scores
Rep of Ireland 2-0 Moldova, Austria 1-1 Serbia, Croatia 0-0 Finland, Italy 1-0 Macedonia, Spain 3-0 Albania, Turkey 0-2 Iceland, Liechtenstein 0-1 Israel, Kosovo 0-0 Ukraine.
Goal! Italy 1-0 Macedonia (Chiellini 41)
The big man somehow finds himself in the six-yard box after an Italy break and sidefoots home from a simple square ball. They’re hanging on to Spain’s coat-tails but they’ll need a few more goals yet if they hope to prevent Spain qualifying automatically.
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Goal! Turkey 0-2 Iceland (Bjarnason 39)
It wasn’t supposed to be like this at the Yeni Eskişehir Stadyum. This time it’s the Aston Villa (yes, Aston Villa!) midfielder who has kept Iceland’s nose in front at the top of Group I. He slams home from close range.
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35 min: Ireland are still in control in Dublin. Moldova’s shape is as ragged as the bottom of a student’s trousers.
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Goal! Turkey 0-1 Iceland (Gudmundsson 32)
That noise you can hear is the Thunder Clap. And it’s the Burnley winger who has scored the goal that created it.
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JR in Illinois brings the realism: “I’m not going to complain about two goals for the boys in green but I would mention that Moldova’s goalkeeper is not quite Manuel Neuer. In fact, he’s not even Joe Hart.”
Goal! Spain 3-0 Albania (Alcantara 27)
This could get ugly for the visitors. And there’s still no score in the Italy-Macedonia game either so Spain have Moscow in sight as it stands.
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Goal! Austria 1-1 Serbia (Burgstaller 25)
The Schalke striker has given Wales and Ireland fans some hope. It’s a long ball over the top and a simple finish.
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Goal! Spain 2-0 Albania (Isco 24)
The Real Madrid playmaker, who’s having a fine season, doubles Spain’s lead in Alicante. And what’s this?
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Goal! Liechtenstein 0-1 Israel (Tibi 21)
Israel can’t qualify but a goal’s a goal.
22 min: Shane Long almost makes it 3-0 as Hendrick breaks forwards and finds Long on the right who takes a touch in the box and batters a low shot straight at the goalkeeper.
The Aviva Stadium is rocking to the tune of Depeche Mode’s Just Can’t Get Enough. Curiously, there is also an incessant high-pitched Ireland being chanted over and over again by a group of kids somewhere in the ground.
Goal! Rep of Ireland 2-0 Moldova (Murphy 19)
What a night Daryl Murphy is having! Hoolahan pings a beautiful ball out to Ward on the left wing, who is in acres of space. A sumptuous cross swings in to Murphy on the back post, who nods back across the goal with pin-point precision into the bottom corner. It wasn’t supposed to be this easy was it?
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Goal! Spain 1-0 Albania (Rodrigo 16)
Well, that’s not really a surprise. Over to you Italy …
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Goal! Austria 0-1 Serbia (Milivojevic 11)
Serbia do not want to be caught before the finish line by either Ireland or Wales. They can smell Russia. What does Russia smell like? Careful now …
11 min: O’Dowda pings a shot at goal but it ruffles the side-netting. Still, Ireland are being positive. “With Ireland 1-0 up, we can expect Wes Hoolahan to be subbed any minute now as Ireland start playing with 10 men behind the ball,” writes pessimism’s Justin Kavanagh.
9 min: Ireland are playing a patient passing game and Moldova are doing very little to stop them. The visitors are sat ever so deep just watching Martin O’Neill’s side make pretty triangles in front of them.
7 min: Spain, as you’d expect have started dominantly against Albania, but most of their possession has been pretty sterile so far.
“Looking at the line ups, I anticipate a nicely poised draw drifting towards 80 minutes, when FYR Macedonia bring the tasty-sounding, Trickovski and Trakovski, off the bench to work their magic,” writes Timothy Smith.
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Goal! Rep of Ireland 1-0 Moldova (Murphy 2)
What a start for Ireland! And it’s so simple. A long throw, a flick on and Murphy nips in looking anything but 34 to stab home at the near post with his left foot. There’s your early goal.
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Will there be an early goal anywhere?
And in Alicante, Gerard Pique has just received a kiss on the cheek from reserve keeper Pepe Reina before emerging from the tunnel for Spain’s match against Albania. He was looking a bit weary if truth be told. He’s probably glad the national anthem has no words.
The teams are out at the Aviva Stadium, where the national anthems have just been belted out by the two sets of players amid a vibrant atmosphere.
Austria v Serbia
Austria: Lindner, Bauer, Dragovic, Danso, Wober, Grillitsch, Baumgartlinger, Ilsanker, Arnautovic, Kainz, Burgstaller. Subs: Pervan, Bachmann, Lainer, Klein, Lazaro, Knasmullner, Schaub, Schobesberger, Lienhart, Wolf, Gregoritsch, Janko.
Serbia: Stojkovic, Ivanovic, Stefan Mitrovic, Nastasic, Rukavina, Milivojevic, Matic, Kolarov, Gacinovic, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Tadic. Subs: Rajkovic, Jovanovic, Obradovic, Gudelj, Nemanja Maksimovic, Prijovic, Milunovic, Kostic, Tosic, Veljkovic, Pavlovic, Ljajic.
Referee: Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)
Italy v FYR Macedonia team news
Italy: Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Parolo, Gagliardini, Zappacosta, Darmian, Verdi, Immobile, Insigne. Subs: Donnarumma, Rugani, Candreva, Spinazzola, Astori, Barella, Cristante, Eder, Bernardeschi, D’Ambrosio, Gabbiadini, Perin.
FYR Macedonia: Dimitrievski, Ristovski, Musliu, Velkovski, Spirovski, Bardhi, Radeski, Alioski, Pandev, Nestorovski, Hasani. Subs: Mitov Nilsson, Tosevski, Doriev, Zajkov,
Trickovski, Trajkovski, Jahovic, Shishkovski.
Referee: Tiago Martins (Portugal)
“For what it’s worth (as Buffalo Springfield once said), as I read the line ‘It’s up for grabs’ it reminded me of Brian Moore. A little disappointed that the now was omitted though,” writes Graham Randall. My capacity to disappoint knows no bounds Graham.
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Spain v Albania
Spain: De Gea, Sergio Ramos, Pique, Jordi Alba, Odriozola, Thiago, Koke, Saul, Isco, Silva, Rodrigo. Subs: Arrizabalaga, Azpilicueta, Illarramendi, Nacho, Callejon, Aduriz, Pedro, Viera, Monreal, Aspas, Asensio, Reina.
Albania: Berisha, Hysaj, Veseli, Ajeti, Memolla, Kace, Memushaj, Grezda, (the other) Xhaka, Llullaku, Balliu. Subs: Hoxha, Lila, Lenjani, Xhimshiti, Agolli, Basha, Sadiku, Latifi, Ahmedi, Ndoj, Kolici.
Referee: Aleksei Eskov (Russia)
Rep of Ireland v Moldova team news
Rep of Ireland: Randolph, Christie, Duffy, Clark, Ward, Hoolahan, Meyler, Hendrick, O’Dowda, Shane Long, Murphy. Subs: Doyle, Elliot, O’Shea, Keogh, Whelan, McGeady, O’Kane, Maguire, Hourihane, Hogan, Kevin Long, Arter.
Moldova: Cebanu, Bordian, Racu, Epureanu, Rozgoniuc, Platica, Gatcan, Anton, Ionita, Dedov, Ginsari. Subs: Serghei Pascenco, Koselev, Graur, Antoniuc, Cojocari, Cociuc, Ambros, Alexandru Pascenco, Ojog.
Referee: Bas Nijhuis (Rotterdam)
Preamble
Evening. It’s the penultimate matches in European World Cup qualifying groups D, G and I tonight and I’ll be keeping you updated on all the goals as best I can. The rules around the second-placed qualifiers for the play-offs mean the situation is pretty fluid and as such, without a phd in maths, it’s difficult to say exactly what everybody needs to ensure they book one but …
In Group D, where Wales beat Georgia 1-0 earlier today, Republic of Ireland need nothing less than a win against Moldova to have any hope of being in Russia as anything other than football tourists next summer. That’s pretty much it. They play Wales on Monday and a win means they can still finish second by beating Chris Coleman’s side. Group leaders Serbia can guarantee qualification if they beat Austria.
Group D: Georgia v Wales, Republic of Ireland v Moldova, Austria v Serbia.
In Group G, the 2010 world champions, Spain, face Albania in Alicante and they will qualify if they better Italy’s result against Macedonia in Turin. Victories for both would mean Julen Lopetegui’s side will require only a point from their final match in Israel, while Italy would be almost guaranteed a play-off spot regardless of their result in Albania. Gerard Pique was booed in Alicante in 2015 when England played Spain in a friendly following comments he made about Real Madrid after Barcelona won the league. He was booed in a Spain training session a few days ago too because of his supportive stance on the independence referendum in Catalonia. So, how he is received in Alicante tonight is a substory worth monitoring.
Group G: Italy v Macedonia, Liechtenstein v Israel, Spain v Albania.
And in Group I, it’s up for grabs as four teams – Croatia and Iceland on 16 points and Turkey and Ukraine on 14 points – go into the last two fixtures with a chance of finishing top in Europe’s closest group.
Group I: Croatia v Finland, Kosovo v Ukraine, Turkey v Iceland.
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