Wales and Serbia couldn’t possibly have ended more perfectly for Ireland

Everyone's a winner... because no one's a winner.

The Republic of Ireland didn't last too long at the top of Group D of the World Cup Qualifiers. In fact, that disappointing 1-1 draw against Austria was only good enough to make them table-toppers for a couple of hours until Serbia welcomed Wales to the lion's den. Aaron Ramsey sent the Dragons into the lead with a Panenka in the same stadium where the bloody trick-shot was invented in the 70s. However, Aleksandar Mitrovic spoiled the upset party with a lovely effort in the second half. While spirits were fairly low in the Republic of Ireland because of the lacklustre performance of the national team, they were raised to as high as moderately... eh, grand levels as fans agreed that the 1-1 draw in Belgrade was probably the best they could have hoped for. Sunday's results see Serbia go top on goal difference, while Wales are still four points behind in third. This means if the points gap stays the same until the final day - a big ask, we know, Wales won't be able to overtake Ireland by beating them. Up next for the Republic is Georgia away on September 2, then they host Serbia three days later. On October 6, they host group D whipping boys Moldova before that potentially important Welsh encounter to close out the campaign. https://twitter.com/CraigFarrell_/status/873965817326653440 https://twitter.com/manutdbelieve/status/873975527429812228 https://twitter.com/sweg_lp/status/873975766366781442 https://twitter.com/okmick/status/873998805422755842 https://twitter.com/DanStritch/status/873999122491199489 https://twitter.com/ConorWilson/status/874002654837575680 https://twitter.com/MrDavidOBrien/status/874002708159770624