Hello, and welcome to this evening’s liveblog.

The Ireland starting team has been named: Randolph, Coleman, Keogh, O’Shea, Brady, Whelan, McCarthy, Hendrick, McClean, Walters, Long.

“It’s a big shock to me.”

No surprise that Eamon Dunphy is not happy with Wes Hoolahan’s absence from the starting XI.

Martin O’Neill on RTÉ: “Freshness was what we were looking at.

“Wes came to me the other day and was really sore. He’s ready to go from the bench if we need him.”

Chaos in the RTÉ studio now as the veracity of Martin O’Neill’s claims as to why he left Wes Hoolahan out are doubted by Eamon Dunphy.

“If you’re not fit to play, you don’t travel,” Dunphy adds.

“Let’s move on from this,” Brady says, diplomatically.

Plenty of pre-match reading for you…

Here’s what we think the Ireland starting XI should be tonight

‘It’s in our hands!’ – We went out to meet the Irish fans who have travelled to Warsaw

Where are they now? The last Irish team to play Poland away in a Euros qualifier

Analysis: How Ireland pulled off a famous victory against the world champions

Letter from Warsaw: ‘One team with everything to lose; one with everything to gain’

The Republic of Ireland could still top Group D – here’s how

‘Irish parents’ behaviour on the sideline was part of what put me off U15s football’

‘There’s nothing to say about it’ – Martin O’Neill brushes off Ireland contract talk

Shane Long: Beating Germany was special – now we’ve got to make it mean something

Poland say Lewandowski will send a message to world football tomorrow night

Should Martin O’Neill be given a new contract by the FAI?

Warsaw prepares for Irish invasion as 5,000 fans expected for final Euro 2016 qualifier

Good news for Ireland as one of Poland’s best players is ruled out of tomorrow’s crucial game

Before kick-off, here’s one last look at THAT Shane Long goal…

Our Warsaw correspondent, Niall Kelly is ready to go…

We’re almost ready to go.

The teams are lined up for the anthems.

We’re underway…

James McCarthy looks like the most attacking midfielder for Ireland at the moment.

Glenn Whelan and Jeff Hendrick are sitting deeper.

Decent start for Poland, as they’ve been passing it around confidently.

The Irish have looked a little nervy on the ball so far.

Clumsy foul from McClean.

The defender was running back towards his goal and under pressure, so there was no need to commit the foul.

A view of the National Stadium before tonight's game. Tony Marshall Tony Marshall

It’s been a very scrappy opening to this game.

No one has really taken the match by the scruff of the neck as of yet.

Coleman lofts a free kick into the box, but Fabianksi claims it ahead of Shane Long.

The keeper then attempts to launch a counter-attack with a long kick out, but the Irish defence promptly alleviate the danger.

POLAND 1-0 IRELAND 

PENALTY TO IRELAND!

POLAND 1-1 IRELAND (WALTERS 14)

Phew! That’s two goals in two minutes.

Firstly, Krychowiak fires the ball home after a corner is played to him on the edge of the box.

Straight away thereafter, Ireland win a penalty, as Pazdan is penalised for a high foot on Shane Long.

Jon Walters fires home the penalty confidently.

Dangerous times for Ireland, as Olkowski fires in a loose ball from close range.

It’s correctly ruled out, as Lewandowski had interfered with play from an offside position in the build-up.

Here’s a look at the two goals so far…
https://vine.co/v/e0EtptOrzqp
https://vine.co/v/e0EFAlihOOq

It’s difficult to remember the last time the Irish defence looked so vulnerable.

Every time Poland get the ball in the final third, there is a sense of nervousness.

I should mention that there was an element of fortune about the Ireland penalty.

The challenge appeared to be committed outside the box, and the Polish players protested vehemently as a result.

Poland still enjoying the better of the possession and territory.

Ireland are at least looking a little more solid now though.

He’s just hit one into the keeper’s hands unfortunately.

Another dangerous attack ends with Grosicki curling a shot just over.

Ireland are living on the edge at times.

Ireland have been somewhat disappointing with the ball so far.

They are undoubtedly missing the wit and composure of Wes Hoolahan in midfield, and their primary tactic seems to be hopeful punts up to Long and Walters.

Another chance for Poland. Olkowski breaks the offside trap, but the lofted ball in narrowly eludes him.

It’s a good spell for Poland.

POLAND 2-1 IRELAND (LEWANDOWSKI 41)

That’s been coming.

Maczynski crosses to an unmarked Lewandowski, who heads home powerfully.

Not great defending from an Irish perspective to leave the opposition’s most dangerous man free in the box.

Glenn Whelan joins John O’Shea in the referee’s notebook following a challenge on Lewandowski.

HALF-TIME: POLAND 2-1 IRELAND

So Ireland find themselves 2-1 down at half-time.

It’s hard to complain about the current outcome, as Poland have looked the better team so far.

The Boys in Green have been largely poor with the ball, while the odd mistake at the back has compounded their problems.

That said, one goal would be enough for the visitors to secure qualification, so it remains all to play for in the second half.

“We’re too pumped up… There’s been more tackles than in the Ireland-France rugby match.”

Nice line from Liam Brady on RTÉ.

Wes Hoolahan and Robbie Keane were both warming up at half-time.

The second half is underway…

Another penalty claim as Olkowski went down in the box.

There didn’t look to be much in it, but the ref is going to come under more pressure to give one of these incidents.

Ireland are still really struggling to hold onto the ball.

Consequently, the defence is being put under constant pressure.

A long-distance shot from Whelan is comfortably saved by Fabianski.

Better from Ireland at least.

Germany have gone 1-0 up against Georgia thanks to a Thomas Müller penalty on 50 minutes.

Looks like the world champions will be topping the group despite their loss on Thursday.

Shane Long is going off injured after falling awkwardly following a challenge by Glik. Robbie Keane replaces him.

Meanwhile, Georgia have equalised in Germany.

Keane blasts a shot well over.

Meanwhile, McGeady has come on for Whelan.

McGeady wins a free-kick straight away.

Ireland will definitely be boosted by his ball-carrying skills.

A Polish player is down receiving treatment so there is a break in play.

Hoolahan is warming up, but even in his absence, Ireland are passing the ball more confidently.

Ireland are caught out and almost made to pay, with McClean giving away possession.

Grosicki goes through on goal but Randolph makes a big save.

Here’s hoping…

Another disappointing set piece from Ireland.

Hendrick plays a corner straight into Fabianksi’s arms.

Brady kicks the ball straight out when attempting a pass.

The game is crying out for the invention of Hoolahan, and it looks like he’s coming on soon.

Coleman has just made a goal-saving tackle to deny Lewandowski.

Meanwhile, Hoolahan replaces McClean.

Ireland are finally beginning to pass the ball.

A Coleman cross has just narrowly eluded Keane.

Lewandowski shoots and Blaszczykowski almost directs it on target.

The game is becoming very stretched now.

The ball falls to McGeady on the edge of the box but he blasts it well over.

It’s getting very tense now.

Tony Marshall Tony Marshall

(Shane Long is stretchered off earlier)

So close! McGready crosses to Keogh, but Fabianksi makes a good save from the defender’s header.

Was that Ireland’s big chance?

Brady makes a good tackle and then hits it off the defender to win a goal kick.

Just over five minutes of normal time remain — this is edge of your seat stuff.

A free kick falls to Wes Hoolahan but his shot is deflected into the arms of Fabianksi.

Poland breathe again.

Poland are using every trick in the book to waste time right now.

I suppose this is how Germany felt on Thursday night.

Keane plays it to McGeady, but he hits an awful cross straight out of play

Ireland’s final ball has been abysmal all evening.

There will be five minutes of added time.

RED CARD FOR JOHN O’SHEA!

Robbie Brady loses the ball cheaply and John O’Shea brings down the Polish attacker, receiving a second booking as a result.

Very frustrating, as McGeady runs the ball out of play.

Less than 2 minutes remain.

Jon Walters brings down Lewandowski and gets booked.

He’ll be out of the playoff through suspension unless Ireland score in the next minute.

FULL-TIME: POLAND 2-1 IRELAND

The draw for the playoffs is next Sunday.

Ireland will be missing Jon Walters and John O’Shea in the next game through suspension.

Right, that’s all from me for now, thanks for reading and commenting on a disappointing night for Ireland.

We’ll have more reaction to follow.