Slow and steady from Wales, possession either side of the halfway line. But that's better, a quick throw finds Joe Allen 20 yards out and his shot is deflected wide for a corner.

Cleared.

The Republic's corner is not the best, through the back of the area and Jeff Hendrick ends up smashing a shot miles into the stands.

Robbie Brady is lucky not to be booked for taking out Ben Davies at the other end.

Andy Townsend
Ex-Republic of Ireland international on BBC Radio 5 live

Set plays will be very important for the Republic of Ireland. That was really well defended against in the end.

No goals in any of tonight's qualifiers as yet, including at the Rajko Mitic Stadium in Serbia. So we are very much as we were, with Serbia leading the group, one point ahead of Wales and two ahead of third-placed Republic of Ireland.

First booking of the night goes to Joe Allen, miraculously not one of the many men already on a booking. David Meyler's touch is poor and Allen is late on the challenge.

The Republic will be looking to threaten at every free-kick and they work it out wide, James McClean lashing the ball across and Ashley Williams clears! Good ball.

Image source, Reuters

Andy Townsend
Ex-Republic of Ireland international on BBC Radio 5 live

Wales are comfortably in control in terms of possession but I don't think Martin O'Neill will be beating himself up about that just yet. You don't have to win it in the first 10-15 minutes. You can throw it away in that spell away from home.

It's been 86% of possession for Wales so far but as Andy Townsend said before kick-off, the Republic of Ireland are not bothered about having the ball.

If it's 0-0 after 75 minutes Martin O'Neill will be happy enough.

John Hartson
Former Wales striker in Cardiff

Wales are just looking for that little opening, that little eye of the needle pass, but they are not really hurting the Republic of Ireland at the moment.

Image source, .

Ten minutes in and the two sides' tactics are pretty clear. Wales (left graphic) are playing very high up the pitch while the Republic of Ireland are taking a much more conservative approach.

A bit of Zombie Nation in the stands, party time in Cardiff. As it stands Wales would finish second in Group D and would be heading into the play-offs. That could all change, as Stephen Ward slices the ball out for a corner and hurts himself in the process.

The big game formation...

Image source, PA

Wales probing away at the Irish penalty area once more as Hal Robson-Kanu almost slips his marker, a good tackle from Shane Duffy clears it away tough.

Andy Townsend
Ex-Republic of Ireland international on BBC Radio 5 live

If James McClean and Robbie Brady play on top of the Wales full-backs then Ireland can't get out. Ireland have to make sure they get their full-backs higher up the pitch.

Ireland attack, the first of the night. Cyrus Christie finds Robbie Brady on his shoulder but the left winger playing on the right has to cut inside and loop in a cross which is overhit.

Both managers will be pleased with this opening 10 minutes. Wales have been bright and bubbly, Ireland organised and quick to counter.

Get hold of that! Great strike by Aaron Ramsey, who looks a totally different player for his country. Joe Allen was fouled, the ref waved play on and Ramsey smashed in a rising drive from 25 yards which Darren Randolph tips over the top.

Wales threaten again from the corner as James McClean gives the ball away cheaply and the visitors just about scramble it clear.

Image source, Rex Features

Jordan Harrup: Hearing the Welsh National Anthem sung acapella with such passion was simply haunting

Chris Clarke: I’m not welsh but that anthem rendition was pretty inspiring. Stunning

ChrissyMitch: Nothing like the Welsh anthem, on par with Wales vs England 2013 in the 6 nations

Image source, PA

John Hartson
Former Wales striker in Cardiff

Wales have started this game really, really brightly. Everyone wants the ball.

Image source, Reuters

I hope Daryl Murphy has brought a book. He may get lonely up front for the visitors tonight. He does well to chest down a clearance but there's not a man in a white shirt anywhere near him and he's swiftly dispossessed.

Dafydd Pritchard
BBC Sport at the Cardiff City Stadium

We've mentioned the memorable evenings Wales have enjoyed at the Cardiff City Stadium of late but, in terms of pure noise, nothing comes close to this. It is deafening.

The gameplan is set. The Republic are dug in. What have you got Wales? James McClean dumps Aaron Ramsey on his backside, crunching challenge.