Two Everton players were on the scoresheet in Tuesday's final round of Euro 2012 qualifiers but ultimately there were contrasting fortunes for the men that got them.
Marouane Fellaini scored on his return from suspension for Belgium, but a 3-1 defeat to Germany ended their dream of reaching the finals whilst Diniyar Bilyaletdinov netted in Russia's 6-0 rout of minnows Andorra to edge Ireland at the top of Group B.
Seamus Coleman was an unused substitute for the Republic of Ireland as they beat Armenia 2-1 and Jan Mucha kept goal for Slovakia in their 1-1 draw with Macedonia.
Belgium went into the last night of fixtures knowing they must at least equal Turkey's result against Azerbaijan to finish as runners up in Group A and qualify for the play-offs.
But Germany, who had won all nine of their previous qualifiers, raced into a 3-0 lead after just 48 minutes and Fellaini's goal was a mere consolation four minutes from time.
Meanwhile in Istanbul Turkey beat Azerbaijan 1-0 meaning Belgium will go no further in the competition.
Russia finished two points clear of the Republic of Ireland in Group B after their heavy win over Andorra.
Midfielder Bilyaletdinov came on in the 72nd minute and scored just six minutes later to complete a routine win in Moscow.
Ireland knew a point against Armenia in Dublin would be enough to help them into the play-offs and their cause was aided by Armenian goalkeeper Roman Berezovski being sent off just 26 minutes into the game.
An own goal from Valeri Aleksanyan and a header from former Blue Richard Dunne put the hosts two up before Henrik Mkhitaryan halved their advantage on 62 minutes to set up a tense finale.
Slovakia's fate had been sealed on Friday when they were beaten 1-0 by Russia, and custodian Mucha played in their dead rubber against Macedonia which finished 1-1 in Skopje.
There was good news for Everton's Under-21 stars as well as Apostolos Vellios and Shane Duffy both scored for Greece and Ireland respectively in key Euro 2013 qualifiers.
Euro 2012 Qualifiers: Germany, Russia, Italy, France, Sweden, Greece, Holland, England, Spain, Denmark, Poland (hosts), Ukraine (hosts).
Play-offs: Czech Republic, Portugal, Turkey, Republic of Ireland, Estonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro.
