Republic of Ireland play Cyprus in their next Euro 2008 qualifier match knowing full well that they will need luck on their side if they are to qualify to the Euro 2008 championships next year.

A disappointing draw against Germany has left Ireland five points behind Czech Republic who also have a game in hand. A win for Czech Republic against Germany would put an end to any qualification hopes for Ireland even if they manage to beat Cyprus on October 17.

However Ireland coach Stephen Staunton will want to ensure that his team bows out of the qualification race with victories in their next two matches against Cyprus and Wales. Staunton will be looking to maintain his side's good form that has seen them win three and draw one of their last five matches and concede just 3 goals in the process.

Meanwhile Cyprus will be coming into the match with a confidence boosting 3-1 victory over Wales on Saturday. Yiannis Okkas scored two goals while Konstantinos Charalampidis added the third as Cyprus scripted a come from behind victory after going behind to James Collins' goal in the first half.

Having already thrashed Ireland 5-2 in the first leg of the fixture back in October last year, Cyprus will be confident of another victory that could see them within a striking distance of finishing third in the group come the end of the qualifiers.

Watch Republic of Ireland v Cyprus live online at free-football.tv.