Germany beating Northern Ireland was absolutely brilliant news for the Republic of Ireland’s hopes

Ireland are through to the second round of Euro 2016*

(*If they beat Italy) Granted, it's a very bloody big chunk of terms and conditions but nobody likes reading small print. A win on Wednesday would guarantee the Republic at least third place in Group E. And those four points would take them through to the second round. Group E If Ireland beat Italy, they'll come at least third no matter what. They'd need a considerable win to jump into second and hope Sweden beat Belgium at the same time. But after Northern Ireland lost 1-0 to Germany on Tuesday night, four points guarantee Martin O'Neill's men a spot in the next round. Four third-place teams advance in the tournament. So you just need to be ranked higher than two counterparts. Group A is already complete and Albania sit with three points. Group A If Ireland beat Italy, they'll be ahead of Albania. And, thanks to Germany's result in Paris, if Ireland beat Italy, they'll also be ahead of Northern Ireland. Group C If Ireland beat Italy... It's the winning a game is the problem for the country now. Still, at least they go into the fixture with any of the nonsense cleared up. The brief is simple: win and you're through. Win, finish third, and Ireland face off with either France or Spain/Croatia in the next round. Brilliant.