Meanwhile in Group G: Spain lead the group by three points (and a goal difference of +17) from Italy. Albania are a further six points back in third, with their draw against Macedonia all but eliminating their already faint hopes of catching Italy.
It's tight as a drum in Group I
Croatia’s remain on top of the group despite defeat at the hands of Turkey, but are deadlocked on 16 points with Iceland. Turkey and Ukraine are just two points further back on 14 points each.
Remaining fixtures
- Croatia v Finland
- Kosovo v Ukraine
- Turkey v Iceland
- Finland v Turkey
- Iceland v Kosovo
- Ukraine v Croatia
Tonight's Uefa qualifier results ...
Group D
- Austria 1-1 Georgia
- Rep of Ireland 0-1 Serbia
- Moldova 0-2 Wales
Group G
- Macedonia 1-1 Albania
- Italy 1-0 Israel
- Liechtenstein 0-8 Spain
Group I
- Iceland 2-0 Ukraine
- Kosovo 0-1 Finland
- Turkey 1-0 Croatia
Updated
A win for Wales and defeat for Ireland
Wales have beaten Moldova 2-0, while Serbia have prevailed by the only goal of the game in Dublin.
Serbia lead Group D by four points from Wales, who are now one point ahead of Ireland.
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GOAL! Moldova 0-2 Wales
Aaron Ramsey wraps up the three points for Wales in Moldova, making it 2-0 for Wales.
Five minutes of added time in Dublin: There’s been plenty of time-wasting from Serbia’s players in Dublin, which hasn’t gone unnoticed by the referee. Meanwhile in Moldova, Wales continue to lead 1-0 in their match and look set fair to leapfrog Ireland into second place. Another tip of the hat is due to Ben Woodburn, who provided the assist for Hal Robson-Kanu’s goal.
Latest scores ...
Group D
- Austria 1-1 Georgia
- Rep of Ireland 0-1 Serbia
- Moldova 0-1 Wales
Group G
- Macedonia 1-1 Albania
- Italy 1-0 Israel
- Liechtenstein 0-8 Spain
Group I
- Iceland 2-0 Ukraine
- Kosovo 0-1 Finland
- Turkey 1-0 Croatia
CHANCE! Daryl Murphy brings an excellent save out of Vladimir Stojkovic, who does well to get down and parry the Irish striker’s low drive. It remains Rep of Ireland 0-1 Serbia in Dublin, with just four minutes left.
GOAL! Moldova 0-1 Wales
Hal Robson-Kanu puts Wales a goal up in Moldova, with a strike that sends Wales second in the Group D behind Serbia as things stand. With 10 minutes to go in both matches, Ireland are now third while second may not ultimately be enough to earn Wales a play-off spot.
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Ireland denied a penalty: Jagos Vukovic clambers all over Daryl Murphy as the ball is sent into the Serbia penalty area, but no spot-kick is forthcoming.
James McClean is booked: Both he and Robbie Brady will be suspended for Ireland’s next match, against Moldova.
Another goal in Group I: Turkey have taken a 1-0 lead against Croatia in the New Eskisehir Stadium, with Besiktas forward Cenk Tosun doing the honours.
Gah! Robbie Brady fires his free-kick straight into the defensive wall. Moments later, he’s incensed after getting booked for a “foul” on Aleksandar Mitrovic. Replays show the Serbia striker took a blatant dive.
OFF! Serbia down to 10 men
Serbia centre-half Nikola Maksimovic is sent off for preventing a clear goal-scoring opportunity after bringing down Robbie Brady as he tried to run on to a through ball. Ireland have a free0-kick on the edge of the Serbia penalty area, which will be taken just as soon as Aleksandar Kolarov shuts his big yap and stops arguing with the referee.
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At moment, Spain have a 16 goal advantage over Italy. They qualify top even if Italy do claw back 3 points on them in two remaining games.
— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) September 5, 2017
Spain's final games: Albania, Israel (so goal difference shouldn't matter anyway, but just in case).
— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) September 5, 2017
Group I goal: Iceland 2-0 Ukraine - Gylfi Sigurdsson scores his second of the night.
Group G goals: Macedonai 0-1 Albania, Liechtenstein 0-7 Spain - Iago Aspas scores his second for Spain.
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Ireland substitution: Wes Hoolahan off, Daryl Murphy on.
Wales substitution: Tom Lawrence off, Ben Woodburn on.
Meanwhile in Group G: Spain now lead Liechtenstein 6-0, with Alvaro Morata scoring his second. Meanwhile in Reggio Emilia, Italy have taken the lead against Israel. Ciro Immobile has given Italy a 1-0 lead.
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Goalkeeper? I meant “goal”, but got carried away on a wave of ennui - it’s fixed now. I think Darren Randolph may actually have got a hand on that effort from Kolarov, but there was no keeping it out. It was an unbelievably powerful shot from quite close range, finishing a sweeping move that that began on the right touchline. Ireland are in big trouble in Group D!
GOAL! Ireland 0-1 Serbia
After excellent build-up play, Aleksandar Kolarov fires Serbia ahead in Dublin with a surface-to-air screamer from a narrow angle that thunders in off the underside of the cross-bar.
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Another chance for Shane Long: Shane Long picks up the ball on the left flank, cuts inside and tries a shot. He fails to connect properly with his low drive and Serbia goalkeeper Vladimir Stojković saves comfortably at his near post.
Meanwhile in Liechtenstein ...
Iago Aspas. 5-0
— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) September 5, 2017
Iceland 1-0 Ukraine: We finally have a goal in Group I, where Gylfi Sigurdsson has put Iceland ahead against Ukraine. As things stand, Gylfi and chums are second in the group, one point behind Croatia and two points ahead of their Ukrainian opponents.
Chances at both ends in Dublin: The second half begins at a fairly frenetic pace, with Dusan Tadic failing to put his boot through the ball and making life easy for Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph after being put through. Moments later at the other end of the pitch, John Walters gets his head to a cross from the left, but is unable to steer his effort goalwards.
An improved performance for Ireland: Both sides have had chances in Dublin, but the Irish can take heart from a much improved performance to that which they put in against Georgia. James McClean has been “robust” in the challenge, while Shane Long has not been as isolated as he was in Tbilisi, what with Ireland playing a midfield diamond with Wes Hoolahan at its tip.
Wales struggling to break down Moldova: The Moldovans have packed 10 men behind the ball and Wales are struggling to find a way through. Apart from one excellent chance when Hal Robson Kanu was denied by the last-ditch lunge of a defender, they’ve created little in the way of chances. One suspects, however, that if they can break the deadlock, the floodgates may well open.
European qualifier half-times
Group D
- Austria 1-1 Georgia
- Rep of Ireland 0-0 Serbia
- Moldova 0-0 Wales
Group G
- Macedonia 0-0 Albania
- Italy 0-0 Israel
- Liechtenstein 0-4 Spain
Group I
- Iceland 0-0 Ukraine
- Kosovo 0-0 Finland
- Turkey 0-0 Croatia
Updated
Austria 1-1 Georgia: Louis Schaub equalises for Austria against Georgia in Group D’s other match.
Liechtenstein 0-4 Spain: David Silva gets on the scoresheet for Spain against Liechtenstein direct from a free-kick.
Wales continue to labour in Moldova: Their opponents may be bottom of the group but they’re defending stoutly.
Good play from Ireland: Wes Hoolahan and Robbie Brady combine well for the former to put the latter into a pocket of space in the Serbia penalty area, but Brady runs into traffic before he can fire a shot off.
Save! Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph saves his side from going a goal behind, getting down to tip a low Aleksandar Mitrovic effort from close range around the upright. The Newcastle striker should have scored to cap a fine passing move from Serbia.
Meanwhile in Liechtenstein ...
Morata nods in fourth but ruled out for offside. Wrongly. First one he scored was offside and was allowed. So quits, I suppose.
— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) September 5, 2017
The latest from the European qualifiers
Group D
- Austria 0-1 Georgia
- Rep of Ireland 0-0 Serbia
- Moldova 0-0 Wales
Group G
- Macedonia 0-0 Albania
- Italy 0-0 Israel
- Liechtenstein 0-3 Spain
Group I
- Iceland 0-0 Ukraine
- Kosovo 0-0 Finland
- Turkey 0-0 Croatia
Chances for Wales! Against obdurate Moldova opposition, Wales could and should have taken the lead. Aaron Ramsey pounced on a ball spilt by Ilie Cebanu after Gareth Bale had shot, only to be thwarted by the goalkeeper. Hal Robson-Kanu’s follow-up was blocked on the line by a defender.
Updated
Chance for Ireland! Shane Long darts down the inside left to collect a pass played in behind from deep. He cuts in from the flank and tries his luck, bringing a smart save out of the Serbia goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic, formerly of Nottingham Forest, with his long range effort. Nothing comes from the ensuing corner.
Moldova go close against Wales: Well, close-ish. Artur Ionita sends a shot over the bar, but not by too much. It’s his second or third effort from distance. Earlier, Wales were given a fright when Gareth Bale was taken down by Moldovan skipper Alexandru Epureanu, who caught his ankle and earned a yellow card for his troubles.
Updated
Liechtenstein 0-3 Spain: Alvaro Morata and Isco score two goals in as many minutes to give Spain a three-goal lead against Liechtenstein after 16 minutes in Group G.
Updated
Ireland have a goal disallowed
Shane Duffy gets the ball into the Serbia net, but is correctly flagged for offside. It was a training ground move from a corner and the defender stooped to head home a splendid cross from Robbie Brady, but had darted into an offside position.
Updated
Serbia looking dangerous early doors: Irish goalkeeper Darren Randolph takes no chances, palming the bar over the bar from a corner after Dusan Tadic curled a dangerous free-kick towards his far post. The ensuing corner kick taken by Filip Kostić is dreadful, prompting much mirth from the partisan crowd.
Austria 0-1 Georgia: Good news for both Ireland and Wales, as Austria go behind against Georgia at the Ernst Happel Stadion in Vienna. Valeriane Gvilia scores after eight minutes.
An early chance for Serbia in Dublin: Nemanja Matic tried his luck with a shot from distance, but his effort was blocked by a Shane Duffy lunge and block.
Liechtenstein 0-1 Spain: Sergio Ramos is the first of what could be many, many Spanish players on the scoresheet against Liechtenstein tonight, putting his side ahead after just three minutes. David Silva provided the assist from a free-kick and the central defender headed home.
Updated
Play is underway in Dublin
They’ve kicked off in Dublin, where Jon Walters concedes an early free-kick.
Play is underway in Moldova
The homes side get the ball rolling against Wales, while Ireland’s players and supporters hold a minute’s applause for somebody - a fan, I think - who died since Ireland last played there’
Not long now ...
The last of the pre-match niceties are underway in Dublin, Chisinau and elsewhere ahead of tonight’s kick-offs, which are just moments away.
Liechtenstein v Spain line-ups
Liechtenstein: Jehle, Quintans, Kaufmann, Malin, Martin Buchel, Polverino, Wieser, Salanovic, Goppel, Burgmeier, Hasler.
Subs: Hobi, Brandle, Fabio Wolfinger, Ritter, Frick, Erne, Yildiz,
Mathias Sele, Hofer, Sandro Wolfinger, Aron Sele, Majer.
Spain: de Gea, Pedro, Pique, Sergio Ramos, Monreal, Thiago, Busquets, Iniesta, Isco, Morata, Silva.
Subs: Arrizabalaga, Azpilicueta, Bartra, Saul, Deulofeu, Suso, Nacho, Aspas,
Jordi Alba, Vazquez, Asensio, Reina.
Referee: Ivaylo Stoyanov (Bulgaria)
Group I: Kosovo v Finland line-ups
Kosovo: Ujkani, Vojvoda, Jashanica, Rrahmani, Paqarada, Rashica, Kryeziu, Alushi, Valon Berisha, Bernard Berisha, Nuhiu.
Subs: Nurkovic, Lirim Kastrati, Musolli, Halimi, Fejzullahu, Zeneli, Avdijaj, Kololli, Muriqi, Dallku, Hajdini.
Finland: Hradecky, Granlund , Arajuuri, Vaisanen, Arkivuo, Hamalainen, Lam, Sparv, Lod, Jensen, Pukki.
Subs: Joronen, Kamara, Markkanen, Tuominen, Halsti, Skrabb, Pirinen, Hatakka, Jaakkola.
Referee: Manuel Schuettengruber (Austria)
Group D: Austria v Georgia line-ups
Austria: Lindner, Dragovic, Hinteregger, Arnautovic, Alaba, Harnik, Bauer, Baumgartlinger, Grillitsch, Kainz, Danso.
Subs: Kuster, Lainer, Maximilian Wober, Maximilian Wober, Ilsanker, Sax, Schaub, Lienhart, Hierlander, Gregoritsch, Janko, Laimer, Bachmann.
Georgia: Makaridze, Kashia, Kvirkvelia, Kankava, Qazaishvili, Ananidze, Kvilitaia, Gvilia, Kvekveskiri, Kakabadze, Navalovski.
Subs: Revishvili, Ucha Lobjanidze, Khocholava, Daushvili, Dvalishvili, Chanturia, Tabidze, Shergelashvili, Merebashvili, Arabidze, Jigauri, Kvaskhvadze.
Referee: Orel Grinfeld (Israel)
Updated
Group G: Macedonia v Albania
Macedonia: Dimitrievski, Ristovski, Musliu, Velkovski, Ristevski, Spirovski, Bardhi, Nikolov, Pandev, Alioski, Nestorovski.
Subs: Mitov Nilsson, Tosevski, Doriev, Zajkov, Trickovski, Trajkovski, Cikarski, Gjorgjev, Babunski, Radeski, Iliev.
Albania: Berisha, Hysaj, Ajeti, Mavraj, Roshi, Lila, Kukeli, Agolli, Llullaku, Hyka, Sadiku.
Subs: Hoxha, Balliu, Veseli, Djimsiti, Basha, Memushaj, Memolla, Ahmedi, Grezda, Latifi, Abrashi, Strakosha.
Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)
Updated
Group I: Turkey v Croatia line-ups
Turkey: Babacan, Ayhan, Topal, Soyuncu, Erkin, Calhanoglu, Sahin, Ozyakup, Turan, Yilmaz, Tosun.
Subs: Gonen, Ozbayrakli, Koybasi, Toprak, Belozoglu, Tufan, Yokuslu, Inan, Under, Malli, Mor, Kirintili.
Croatia: Subasic, Vrsaljko, Lovren, Vida, Pivaric, Brozovic, Modric, Badelj, Perisic, Kovacic, Nikola Kalinic.
Subs: Livakovic, Barisic, Mitrovic, Santini, Kramaric, Nizic, Cop, Rog, Mandzukic, Bradaric, Pasalic, Lovre Kalinic.
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)
Updated
Group I: Iceland v Ukraine line-ups
Iceland: Halldorsson, Saevarsson, Ingason, Ragnar Sigurdsson, Magnusson, Hallfredsson, Gunnarsson, Gudmundsson, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Bjarnason, Bodvarsson.
Subs: Runarsson, Fjoluson, Hermannsson, Bjorn Sigurdarson, Finnbogason, Arnason, Sigurjonsson, Olafur Ingi Skulason, Kjartansson, Traustason, Ari Freyr Skulason, Jonsson.
Ukraine: Pyatov, Butko, Khacheridi, Rakitskiy, Matviyenko, Yarmolenko, Malinovsky, Stepanenko, Konoplyanka, Besyedin, Kovalenko.
Subs: Lunin, Ordets, Morozyuk, Kravets, Kryvtsov, Rotan, Yurchenko, Sydorchuk, Sobol, Harmash, Zinchenko, Koval.
Referee: William Collum (Scotland)
Updated
Group G: Italy v Israel line-ups
Italy: Buffon, Conti, Barzagli, Astori, Darmian, Candreva, De Rossi, Verratti, Insigne, Immobile, Belotti.
Subs: Donnarumma, D’Ambrosio, Rugani, Parolo, Pellegrini, Eder, Montolivo, Bernardeschi, Zappacosta, El Shaarawy, Gabbiadini, Perin.
Israel: Harush, Davidadze, Tzedek, Ben Haim I, Keltjens, Melikson, Cohen, Natcho, Kabha, Rafaelov, Shechter.
Subs: Klaiman, Elhamed, Solomon, Ben Haim II, Ohana, Benayoun, Einbinder, Danino, Glazer.
Referee: Benoit Bastien (Lorraine)
Updated
Three changes in the Wales line-up
Joe Allen and Andy King start in Chris Coleman’s midfield tonight, with Ashley Richards and David Edwards dropping to the bench. Up front, Hal Robson-Kanu starts against Moldova, in place of Sam Vokes.
Updated
Two changes in the Rep of Ireland ...
Possibly after listening to Monday’s episode of the Guardian podcast Football Weekly, Martin O’Neill has bowed to public pressure and dropped Glenn Whelan, whose performance against Georgia was heavily criticised. Those clamouring for the inclusion of Wes Hoolahan have got their way and he will play in the centre of Ireland’s midfield alongside David Meyler, with Harry Arter also dropping down to the bench.
Group D: Moldova v Wales line-ups
Moldova: Cebanu, Bordian, Posmac, Epureanu, Rozgoniuc, Graur, Ionita, Anton, Dedov, Alexandru Pascenco, Ginsari.
Subs: Serghei Pascenco, Armas, Carp, Cociuc, Cebotaru, Cojocari, Alexandr Antoniuc, Sergiu Platica, Ivanov, Ambros, Bugaev, Namasco.
Wales: Hennessey, Gunter, Chester, Ashley Williams, Ben Davies, Allen, Ramsey, King, Lawrence, Bale, Robson-Kanu.
Subs: Adam Davies, Taylor, Evans, Edwards, Ampadu, Ledley, Lockyer, Vokes, Richards, Ward, Woodburn, Watkins.
Referee: Pawel Raczkowski (Poland)
Updated
Group D: Rep of Ireland v Serbia line-ups
Rep of Ireland: Randolph, Christie, Duffy, Clark, Ward, Hoolahan, Meyler, Brady, Walters, Shane Long, McClean.
Subs: Westwood, O’Shea, Keogh, Whelan, Horgan, Murphy, O’Dowda, Kevin Long, Hourihane, Hayes, Arter, Elliot.
Serbia: Stojkovic, Vukovic, Nikola Maksimovic, Ivanovic, Rukavina, Milivojevic, Nemanja Matic, Kolarov, Kostic, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Tadic.
Subs: Rajkovic, Obradovic, Gudelj, Nastasic, Tosic, Prijovic, Stefan Mitrovic, Gacinovic, Spajic, Radoja, Ljajic, Jovanovic.
Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey)
Updated
Group I fixtures and standings
- Iceland v Ukraine
- Kosovo v Finland
- Turkey v Croatia
Group G fixtures and standings
- Macedonia v Albania
- Italy v Israel
- Liechtenstein v Spain
Group D fixtures and standings
- Austria v Georgia
- Republic of Ireland v Serbia
- Moldova v Wales
Greetings sports fans ...
There are nine matches in European qualifying tonight, but much of our focus will be on Group D, where the Republic of Ireland entertain Serbia, who are two points ahead of them. Two points behind the Irish, Wales are not expected to encounter too much resistance from bottom placed Moldova at the Zimbru Stadium in Chisinau, but may not have it all their own way.
Following their awful performance against Georgia, the expectations of Irish fans are fairly low and even if they hold on to finish second in their group, a play-off place may not be assured. Only eight of the nine teams who finish second in European qualifying will make the play-offs and the Irish are currently two points ahead of the bottom ranked second placed side, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Such a pessimistic outlook will be rendered redundant if the Irish can beat Serbia and go on to finish top of their group. To do so they will need a huge improvement on their turgid performance against Georgia, but Irish manager Martin O’Neill does have something of a reputation for getting big performances out of his team when the chips are down.
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