Euro 2024 qualifying wrap: Slovakia qualify and officially end Ireland's playoff hopes

Republic of Ireland's already remote chances of earning a place in the Euro 2024 qualifying play-offs came to an emphatic end as Slovakia booked their spot in next year's finals with a 4-2 victory over Iceland in Bratislava.

The Boys in Green needed a series of results to go their way in two of the qualification groups to stand any chance of getting into the play-offs.

One of those scenarios included needing Iceland to qualify automatically from Group J.

But in order for that to occur, the Icelandic team would have needed to beat both Slovakia and Portugal during this November window, while hoping that the Slovakians also failed to pick up another point in their final group encounter against Bosnia on Sunday, along with Luxembourg not accumulating more than four points this month.

But as it happened, Slovakia came from a goal down to see off Iceland and seal second spot in the group.

Despite an early scare when Iceland's Orri Oskarsson headed in the opening goal in the 17th minute, the hosts dominated the remainder of the match as they went on to qualify for a third successive Euros.

Juraj Kucka equalised at the half-hour mark before Ondrej Duda completed the turnaround six minutes later, slotting home a penalty after Kristian Hlynsson fouled him.

After the break, Slovakia dominated, with Lukas Haraslin scoring two minutes into the second half and completing his brace eight minutes later with a curled shot from the edge of the box.

Iceland's Andri Gudjohnsen breathed life into the match in the 74th minute, using his thigh to bounce the ball in from a corner, only a minute after coming on.

The victory ensures a top-two finish for Slovakia in Group J along with already-qualified Portugal.

Luxembourg thumped Bosnia 4-1 but fell short