Manager's reaction: Steve Staunton is "bitterly disappointed" not to have beaten Germany at Croke Park and cut a forlorn figure when facing the media post match.

The Republic still hold that mathematical chance of qualification but, like the rest of us, the manager knows third spot is now his priority.

"I'm bitterly disappointed as I thought we should have won," he said. "I'm gutted for the players.   It was a very good performance second half.  We passed the ball a hell of a lot better and kept it better.

"We now have to make sure we finish the group off properly. Finishing third is important.  I want to keep our unbeaten record here at Croke Park."

Following their win over Wales earlier, Cyprus are finishing their campaign with a flourish, a fact not lost on Staunton.     Revenge for Nicosia is on the mind but the manger is not underestimating the task at hand.

"Cyprus are not a bad side at all," he said.  "They were unlucky against both the Czech Republic and Germany.  But we have to improve on our fourth seeding for the World Cup draw.  That was our second aim if we didn't qualify."

What positives can you take from the game?

"We'll we kept a clean sheet. Only thing we can do is try win last our last two games and play the best we can.  It's out of our own hands."