Republic must settle for play-offs

The Republic of Ireland fell one goal short of automatic qualification for Euro 2016 as they lost to Poland and will now have to enter the play-offs.

Grzegorz Krychowiak had given the home side an early lead with a fine strike but Jon Walters quickly equalised with a controversially awarded penalty.

In-form Robert Lewandowski powerfully headed in what proved to be the deciding goal late in the first half.

Republic skipper John O`Shea was sent off late on for a second booking.

Poland qualified automatically behind Germany with the win but an Irish victory or draw of 2-2 or higher in Warsaw would have put the visitors through instead.

The Republic will learn their play-off opponents when the draw is made on 18 October.

The Irish reached Euro 2012 via the play-offs, Giovanni Trapattoni`s side beating Estonia 5-1 over two legs.