So what do we need to do tomorrow?

AHEAD of the final round of Euro 2020 qualifiers in Group D tomorrow against Denmark, there are a number of potential scenarios that could play out for the Republic of Ireland.

1

A win, by any margin, will guarantee automatic qualification for next summer’s final, once Switzerland beat Gibraltar on The Rock.

2

A win by any two-goal margin will also do the business for Mick McCarthy’s men, if the Swiss draw, thus leaving the top three teams on 15 points in the group.

3

A draw, or a loss means Ireland cannot qualify directly.

4

If Ireland miss out on a top two finish, they are guaranteed to be among the 16 teams involved in the play-offs for the finals, the draw for which takes place on Friday next in Nyon.

5

The play-offs involve a single-leg semi-final on March 26 and a single-leg final on March 31 next, from which four teams will advance.

6

With qualifiers to be completed today, Monday and Tuesday, the exact identity of the 16 teams is not confirmed. UEFA will use the finishing positions in the Nations League as a yardstick.

7

As it stands, Ireland, who finished second last in League B, would most likely be away to either Slovakia or Wales in the semi-final – either could stand or fall in Group E. Ireland could yet face Northern Ireland in the play-off final.

8

A caveat. As Iceland look like the only team in League A who will not qualify for the finals, UEFA will have to bump up teams from lower Nations League to make up the numbers. How they will do this has not yet been confirmed.