Republic drop to third after defeat to 10-man Serbia
Republic of Ireland's hopes of reaching the World Cup finals took a blow following a 1-0 defeat by ten man Serbia in Dublin on Tuesday night.
Martin O'Neill's men went into the game seeking a win that would see them leapfrog Serbia into top spot - but the defeat along with Wales beating Moldova sees Ireland slip down to third spot in Group D.
It was Ireland's first loss in the campaign, but they now have a mountain to climb to achieve the dream of reaching the finals.
Serbia threatened as early as the second minute, Tadic playing the ball into the path of Matic but his low drive was blocked by Shane Duffy.
Ireland fans thought Duffy had opened the scoring on 10 minutes, a brilliant cross in by Robbie Brady was headed past Stojkovic, the Brighton defender wheeled away in celebration, but the flag was up for offside.
The encouraging home attack continued with Wes Hoolahan threading the ball through for Jonathan Walters but the keeper spotted the danger and dashed out to gather the ball.
On 20 minutes Stojkovic did well to tip over a shot by Walters, but Serbia responded with a superb move that carved open the Irish defence as Kostic fed unmarked Mitrovic who poked the ball towards goal only for Randolph to make a superb save.
It was end to end at this stage with Brady finding Hoolahan who beat his man in the box, but the ball ran away from him allowing Serbia to clear the danger.
Both defences remained intact at the break after a close, but entertaining 45 minutes.
The second half saw Serbia create an early chance when a neat flick on by Mitrovic fell to Tadic who let the ball run onto this right foot but his parting shot was easily gathered by Randolph.
The Aviva was silenced on 55 minutes with a stunning strike giving Serbia the lead.
Kostic switched the ball at pace for the attacking Kolarov and the Man City man blasted the ball into the back of the net.
However, Ireland were given a lifeline with 20 minutes to go with Serbia reduced to ten men.
Maksimovic was shown a straight red after his rash challenge on substitute Daryl Murphy who was set to have a clear run on goal.
Five minutes later Ireland had a big shout for a penalty when Murphy was clearly being held back by Vukovic, but despite strong appeals the referee waved play on and when the loose ball broke to Cyrus Christie he blasted high and wide.
A great chance to salvage a crucial point fell to Murphy four minutes from the end, but his well struck shot was well saved.
The pressure was relentless with Serbia encamped in their own half, but Ireland could not find a way through and hopes of going to Russia next summer are hanging by a thread with two qualifying games to go - Moldova at home and Wales away.