RACE FOR THE PLAY-OFFS: HOW IT ALL UNFOLDED

6.31pm

The team news is in and as expected Martin O’Neill leaves Wes Hoolahan on the bench with Harry Arter, Robbie Brady and James McClean coming in for the Norwich play-maker, Callum O’Dowda and the injured Shane Long. Hal Robson-Kanu replaces Sam Vokes in Wales’s only change.

7.05pm

Over in the RTÉ studio, the inevitable outrage at the dropping of Hoolahan begins. Eamon Dunphy says he is the “essential play-maker”, Liam Brady reckons Hoolahan is “the one that makes the other lads play, all I can see is route one”, while Richie Sadlier is hoping that O’Neill doesn’t point to a 35-year old being asked to play two games in four days.

7.15pm

Right on cue, O’Neill explains his reasons behind dropping Hoolahan: “Two games in quick succession has obviously been a problem but he’s raring to go. I thought he played excellently the other night but it’s two games in quick succession.”

7.45pm

After a powerful rendition of the Welsh national anthem, the time for talking is thankfully over. Jeff Hendrick gets the game under way in a rocking Cardiff City Stadium. Elsewhere in Serbia, the group leaders aim to avoid a slip-up against Georgia. Ukraine and Croatia’s clash may be crucial as a draw for Wales could see them into the play-offs, if Ukraine-Croatia also finishes level and there are not more goals in Kiev than in Cardiff. Simply put, a win for Ireland and they’re in the play-offs.

7.49pm

Early sight of goal for Wales as Robson-Kanu flashes a header wide. Ireland are struggling to get on the ball.

7.53pm

Darren Randolph is called into action and he does well as he tips Aaron

Ramsey’s shot over.

8.01pm

It’s all Wales inside the opening quarter. Joe Allen (left) is booked for a mistimed challenge on David Meyler.

8.08pm

Ronan O’Gara’s tweet sums up what we’ve seen: “This is like Backs vs Forwards in GAA training back in the day!! Only 1 team allowed score.” Hendrick meanwhile, scuffs a shot wide.

8.12pm

Ireland’s passing accuracy is 20pc as we approach the half-hour mark. Wales’s, in comparison, is 67pc. Grim reading.

8.16pm

The ball falls kindly for Shane Duffy but he drags his shot harmlessly wide.

8.22pm

Allen ships a knock and looks groggy. Wales are forced into an early change as Jonny Williams replaces him.

8.33pm

The half-time whistle sounds in Cardiff and it remains scoreless. Still no score in Serbia or the Ukraine either. As it stands, Ireland will not be going to the World Cup next summer.

8.40pm

“Woeful stuff”, says Sadlier back in Dublin. Dunphy urges O’Neill to bring Hoolahan on as he senses a “big shock” is on the cards.

8.49pm

Wales get us going again in Cardiff. Huge 45 minutes.

8.54pm

James Chester comes close to breaking the deadlock as he heads into the side netting.

8.56pm

Randolph pulls off a stunning save to keep out Robson-Kanu’s header. Ireland living on the edge now. Big moment.

9.0pm

GOALAZO! McClean to the rescue again. Brilliant from Hendrick to rob Ashley Williams (left) of possession before he makes ground on the right. The Burnley man puts in a cross that is made all the better by a clever dummy from Arter and after that it’s all about McClean’s composure as he gives Ireland a precious lead with a right footed finish.

9.15pm

If Georgia can somehow nick a goal in Serbia, Ireland would be going to Russia as group leaders. Elsewhere, Croatia score two goals in eight minutes in Ukraine which means that a draw is now no use to Wales.

9.19pm

Nemanja Gudelj gives Serbia the lead which means they will win the group if the scores remain the same.

9.30pm

Clark and Shane Duffy have been immense at the back and continue to halt the wave after wave of red attacks.

9.37pm

Randolph pulls off another save, this time it was comfortable from Ramsey.

9.40pm

The full-time whistle sounds and another memorable night secures Ireland a play-off spot. O’Neill gets his selection spot on.