During the recent World Cup qualifiers window, Irish eyes were fully focused on the Boys in Green's clash with Austria as well within the wider context of the European qualifying zone.
But outside of UEFA circles, South America and Africa will be on hiatus until the August international break when their World Cup qualifiers resume.
But Asia's AFC and North and Central America's CONCACAF have seen action, with Asia seeing the bulk of the matches taking place today and tomorrow, although Australia did beat Saudi Arabia in their head to head last week.
But the final of group qualification in North and Central America (plus the Caribbean nations) has taken a big step in the last few days.
Last night, Mexico and USA played out a 1-1 draw at Azteca Stadium in a result that keeps the Mexicans well on course for next year's World Cup.
They are on 14 points after six games, well clear of the chasing pack and would only need to win half of their final four games to secure top spot.
Coupled with the draw against Mexico, USA had beaten Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 at home thanks to Christian Pulisic's brace and those four points have pushed Bruce Arena's men up the table after a difficult start to the six-team group when former head coach Jurgen Klinsmann was in charge.
They are now on eight points after six points which has pushed them into the three automatic qualifying places, although all the other teams with the exception of high flying Mexico have a game in hand.
The 2014 World Cup quarter finalists Costa Rica are also on eight points in second and have a chance to move within three of Mexico if they can beat Trinidad at home.
Panama, who are fourth in the playoff spot, can overtake USA by a point if they can beat fifth place Honduras in Panama City.
The advantage for USA is the fact that they have got both home and away legs against Mexico out of the way - by far the toughest opponents, whereas the other nations must take on the regional powerhouse in the remaining four rounds of action.
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