Serbia 1-0 Georgia
Well, it was left far later than they’d have liked.
The betting odds on who would top Group D actually fluctuated throughout the night and focused on two proud cities.
Indeed, if you were live betting on any one of Serbia, Ireland or Wales, then the drama was well and truly alive.
Certainly, until Aleksandar Prijović’s intervention, a composed finish 13 minutes after entering the fray.
That all but confirmed Serbia’s place at next year’s World Cup Finals and left the battle in Cardiff merely as a Celtic contest for a play-off place.
Spectacular fireworks rocketed into the night sky in the Serbian capital as fans and players alike celebrated at the full-time whistle.
Jeered off by their supporters at half-time, the relief was palpable as the nervy Serbs sent the Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade rocking and ensured a return to the grand stage for the Balkan nation after missing out on a place in the 2014 tournament.
After Slavoljub Muslin’s boys missed out on a chance to qualify three days earlier by going down to a last-gasp defeat to Austria, it seemed unthinkable amongst home support that their heroes wouldn’t make this one count.
Yet, nerves were frayed and getting increasingly fraught until the goal triggered the flares and, ultimately, fireworks.
Prijovic’s strike has not only secured national hero status but the PAOK front-man will likely have a new legion of fans after displaying his muscular torso in celebration.
For Georgia, the wait goes on to qualify for a maiden first major international tournament.
This was Serbia’s night and they will well and truly relish Russia 2018.
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