The most important aspect to be reflected upon this morning is Ireland have gained six points from two very awkward fixtures. On reflection, one poor performance will be overshadowed by last night's display.

It also looks like we have found a shape and structure that fits this team's make-up. It was a performance that must satisfy supporters and media alike.

The pressure is off for now.

The Steve Staunton system worked. It was the most impressive, cohesive first half of the manager's time in charge. Possession was protected, while the passing and movement was of the standard expected from an international team that holds high aspirations. Most importantly, they played with a familiarity previously lacking until last night.

The use of Stephen Ireland off Kevin Doyle with McGeady and Duff wide was key, while Stephen Hunt, again, made an immediate impact. Hunt has the mark of a man determined to nail down a starting role in this team.

The Mexican wave did eventually spread around Croke Park but it didn't last; the supporters had a football match to keep them entertained.

This was a far superior performance and that is primarily down to the balance the team discovered by playing Damien Duff on the left supported by Kevin Kilbane inside. A left-footed central midfielder will always ensure more creativity down that flank. This was a key selection.

Equally, the close control of McGeady and Stephen Ireland brought a real edge to the Irish attack where Doyle was a real handful. The Reading striker looks the best option if Staunton continues with one man up front. Martin Skrtel failed to jump with him for the goal, but it was expertly dispatched. His aerial threat was effective throughout.

Once Doyle scored, the Slovaks adopted an all-or-nothing approach in a desperate attempt to save their qualifications hopes and problems did appear.

Kilbane and Carsley found themselves under increasing pressure to hold the middle. Still, they survived with Kevin producing an energetic and inventive performance, technically superior to Jonathan Douglas last Saturday.

The pressure was heaped on the central midfielders by Duff and McGeady's lack of defensive responsibility but these two players cannot be criticised. It seemed like a tactical ploy for the wingers to keep alive the threat of a counter-attack.

Duff was back in the form last night that first endeared him to the Irish soccer public. The Slovaks were forced to push a second player over to cover his early inventive running.

McGeady, once the shackles were put on Duffer, upped his time on the ball considerably without quite producing the end product. It is clear to see how Slovakia have scored 15 goals in five games as they attacked in a kamikaze manner at times.

I counted six players in the Irish box for one cross before half-time. It is also apparent how the main group contenders, the Czechs and Germans, punished them so severely on the break.

Stephen Ireland faded out of the game in the second half as Duff and McGeady swapped wings, but still continued to support Doyle effectively.

The defence held well despite the Slovaks playing with four across the attack as they chased an equaliser. It became a backs-to-the-wall exercise for long periods in the second half but still posed questions in attack. A Paul McShane tackle on Martin Jakubko denied a certain goal (Mr Baskakov could have awarded a penalty). He continued to settle into international defending.

Richard Dunne put in a splendid performance, but he was outshone by McShane who just shaded the man of the match award in my book with several timely interventions.

What will be most pleasing will be the victory. But from a management perspective the manner in which the substitutions coincided with Ireland lifting the siege on Shay Given's goal was notable.

The energy Stephen Hunt and Shane Long brought to proceedings, along with McGeady inside, proved enough to avoid a late steal from the Slovaks. That would have been an injustice given the overall performances.

Hunt's persistence and a decent early cross to his club team-mate Shane Long really should have tied up the three points. It would have allowed Staunton to relax during a game for the first time. And that, I can assure, is a rare luxury in his job.

The crowd were magnificent last night, but they were led by they players' hunger and desire.

We go to Slovakia next where we hope they will not be as competitive as their chances of qualification now look over. Still, they remain a decent team. That is a double-edged sword though as we also need them to take points off their neighbours to get us back into the running.

We need Germany to run away with this group. The Czechs are the main rival now.

Overall, a good week for Stan.

Certainly not one he'll forget any time soon.