DESPITE being undefeated, Ireland's qualifying campaign for the 2018 World Cup in Russia hasn't got off to the most electrifying of starts.
Following the 2-2 draw in Serbia last month, Ireland scraped a win at home to Georgia on Thursday with a fairly pedestrian performance.
Three points away to Group D whipping boys Moldova tomorrow will keep Martin O'Neill's men on course for qualification and hopefully see a much improved performance.
However if they are in need of some extra inspiration, they need only turn the clock back a year and recall Shane Long's goal that gave Ireland an unlikely win against reigning world champions Germany in a thrilling encounter.
On this day in 2015, Ireland went into the penultimate Euro 2016 qualifying game in third place, and if they could stay there it would secure a playoff berth.
However a squad depleted by injuries and suspensions was expected to struggle against the world champions, and with a tricky trip to Poland three days later, there was real fear Scotland could beat Poland at home and Gibraltar away to overhaul Ireland and take third place.
Fortunately substitute Long had other ideas, his 70-minute strike ensuring Ireland qualified for the playoffs where they beat Bosnia-Herzegovina to seal a place at Euro 2016.
His goal also erased the painful memories of Germany's previous trip to the Aviva – a 6-1 trouncing three years earlier.
