THE REPUBLIC of Ireland’s Russia World Cup 2018 qualification dream is on the verge of becoming a nightmare after the Boys in Green lost 0-1 to Serbia at the Aviva Stadium.
Tuesday night’s defeat to the Group D leaders – coupled with Wales’ 2-0 triumph over Moldova – means Martin O’Neill’s men have slipped to third in the table with just two games remaining.
Serbia now enjoy a four-point lead over Wales, who have leapfrogged Ireland into second place leaving the Boys in Green in desperate need of some classic Irish luck.
“We know it was a big turning point in the group, but it’s still in our hands,” striker Shane Long told RTÉ Sport after the defeat.
“We’ve got to do it the hard way now – three points against Moldova and go to Wales and have to win, and that’s what we plan to do.”
Ireland face two must-win games against Moldova in Dublin on October 6, and Wales in Cardiff on October 9 – needing a maximum of six points if they are to stand a chance of reaching the play-offs.
Wales travel to winless Georgia on October 6, meaning Cardiff could host one of the biggest games in Irish footballing history as the two sides battle it out for second place.
Three wins from Ireland’s four opening fixtures had Martin O’Neil’s men in a strong position but the strength of the top three teams in Group D means their first loss may come back to haunt them.
“We’ve been there before. Just remember the Italy game in the Euros, when we’re asked the question we normally stand up…. but we can still do it,” added Long.
Ireland went down to a single goal by ex-Manchester City man Aleksander Kolarov despite Serbian defender Nikola Maksimovic receiving a red card halfway through the second half.
Long said that under pressure manager O’Neill was “proud” of the team’s performance, but admitted that one point from six in their last two matches against Georgia and Serbia wasn’t good enough.
“The chances just didn’t come our way I suppose. I thought we played really well, limited them,” he said.
“It was a great finish from Kolarov but I think they’ll feel over the moon to come away with a win because I think we deserved a lot more from the game.
"A few goals would be nice. I don’t think we are doing a whole lot wrong.”
Long added: “Hopefully, our luck will turn a little bit in the next few games and hopefully I’ll go back to the club, get a few more minutes on the pitch and bring that form in.”
