archie james

Is there not a scenario where we could beat Croatia, be on 4 points, and still not make it through? Everyone seems to be certain that 4 points will definitely get us through. But if we win 1-0, we'd be on 4 points and -1 goal difference. Then... A If Switzerland beat Turkey 3-0, they'd be in 3rd place with 4 points and 0 goal difference. B If Finland draw with Belgium, and Russia beat Denmark, Finland would be in 3rd place with 4 points and a 0 goal difference. C If Ukraine and Austria draw (very likely), Austria would be in 3rd place with 4 points and a 0 goal difference. See where I'm going with this? Please someone tell me I'm wrong.

Poland wouldn't be out. If they go in to the last game on 17 (and Ireland on 15) then a loss could put them out. Fair point on Germany, although I'd still fancy them to get a point against Ireland.

Just as gutted as everyone else about the performance and the result tonight but it's not all doom and gloom. Regardless of the result against Germany, if we beat Poland and Gibraltar we will finish 3rd, so long as Germany win their last 4 games. We have 11 points now. We may have 11 on Tuesday morning too. We beat Poland and Gibraltar we'll finish on 17. Germany must win out. They must beat Poland tonight and Ireland on Oct 8. Not unlikely. If they do then Poland would go into that final game against Ireland with 17 points. Ireland would have 15 at the most. No matter the result in that game, we would stay ahead of one of those teams based on head-to-head results. And so we'd finish third. Any points we get on Monday would be bonus points but a defeat isn't the end. I'm staying positive for now.