The penultimate night of the UEFA World Cup Qualifying rounds was largely bereft of both goals and entertainment value for long periods.
The cautious approach by many teams on Monday evening was perhaps understandable considering qualification and play-off positions were on the line, but it has left football supporters far and wide craving the return of elite domestic competition next weekend.
In spite of some turgid contests played out across Europe, there were some intriguing results and outcomes as Groups D, G, I reached their climax.
Serbia, Wales and Republic of Ireland occupied the top three positions in Group D ahead of kick-off, with the two countries on the British Isles facing off in Cardiff.