Euro 2012: Republic of Ireland’s fightback proves in vain
Republic of Ireland 2 Russia 3
The Republic of Ireland dropped their first points of the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign despite a stirring fightback against Russia in Dublin.
A nightmare first half saw the Republic fail to take their early chances, and then watch on in horror as poor defending allowed first Alexsandr Kerzhakov and then Alan Dzagoev to find the net.
It was 3-0 early in the second half, with Roman Shirokov’s effort from the edge of the box deflected into the net off Richard Dunne, but far from lie down and die, the Irish attempted to hit back, and pulled a goal back through Robbie Keane’s penalty after the forward had been felled by Yuri Zhirkov.
The deficit was reduced to one when substitute Shane Long fired home after an Aiden McGeady effort had been parried, but despite strong pressure, the Russians held on.
The Republic had won their opening two matches, and now head to Slovakia on Tuesday in need of a win.
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