The Republic of Ireland have failed to qualify for the Euros next summer and it seems to be the final nail in the managerial reign of Stephen Kenny, or is it?
Incredibly, there is a very weird, unlikely, but not impossible outcome that could see Ireland somehow earn a play-off spot, which is incredible to think when you consider how poor they have been throughout this campaign.
In Kenny's defence they had a very tough group coming up against the likes of France and the Netherlands, but really what qualification came down to was a win against Greece, either home or away.
In the Ireland lost both games, and ironically, Gus Poyet, the Greece manager, is one of the favourites to replace Kenny next year as boss of the Irish team.
However, when there is hope, there is a way, and all we need is for six very specific and unlikely things to happen in order to achieve the impossible.
Six results Ireland need to happen to qualify for Euro 2024 playoffs
https://twitter.com/OCowzer/status/1724905702374928871
1. Israel to beat Romania
2. Israel get more points v Andorra than Romania do v Switzerland
3. Iceland to beat Slovakia and Portugal
4. Slovakia to lose to Bosnia- Herzegovina
6. Luxembourg to get no more than 4 pts v Liechtenstein and B&H
Of course, all of these things happening are incredibly unlikely, borderline impossible even, but it's still nice to know that you can dream for a little longer yet.
The mad thing is that this would still only get Ireland to a Play-off, which means they will have to win that game, against what will inevitably be a very competitive team, in order to make it to the competition next summer.
I guess what we're saying is... yeah, we're pretty much out.
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