Republic of Ireland 1 - 1 Scotland (half-time 1-0)

Despite slipping two points behind Germany in Group D, Scotland were by far the happier side after their 1-1 draw in Dublin against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday. Jon Walters' first-half strike was cancelled out by a deflected equaliser from Shaun Maloney for the Scots after the interval. Wins for both Germany and group leaders Poland ensured that they remain favourites to secure the two automatic qualifying places for Euro 2016.

Although 'only' taking a point from the fixture could be seen as a disappointing result for the Scots, their fans and players seemed genuinely satisfied afterwards.

They battled back after seeing the Irish take a disputed lead on 38 minutes, Stoke City's Walters gaining the advantage of what seemed a missed offside decision by the officials. Daryl Murphy's effort was saved by David Marshall, but Walters was on hand to tap in. Despite the controversy surrounding the goal, it was a fair reward for the Irish being the better side in the first period.

The second-half was just two minutes old before the visitors were back level. Maloney's curling effort may have been going wide of goal, only for the unlucky John O'Shea to divert the ball into the corner of the net off his back.

Both sides displayed plenty of endeavour and effort as you would expect from such a crucial match.

Neither side was able to force a further breakthrough though as the game petered out to a draw.

Scots happy

Scottish player Ikechi Anya echoed the sentiments of many in the Scottish camp it seems, telling BBC Scotland that "the result was better for us" (than Ireland). Certainly considering the respective results between the two sides they should be, after taking four points off their opponents.

Gordon Strachan felt that his side did let themselves down with their passing though, as they commonly "gave the ball away without real pressure."

Poland and Germany remain strong

Poland remain the pacesetters in the group, although Germany are still hot on their heels. The Poles were frustrated at home by Georgia until a 62nd minute strike from Arkadiusz Milik set them on their way to an ultimately convincing 4-0 win.

Bayern Munich hotshot Robert Lewandowski sealed their victory with a hat-trick of goals all scored in the final few minutes.

The Germans secured an expected comfortable three points away to Gibraltar. Andre Schurrle completed a hat-trick and Max Kruse bagged two more of their goals in a 7-0 thrashing of the minnows.

Yesterday's results leave the top of Group D as follows:

  1. Poland (14 points)

  2. Germany (13)

  3. Scotland (11)

  4. R. of Ireland (9)
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