Republic of Ireland pick up a point against Slovakia
The Republic of Ireland claimed a point as they drew 1-1 away to Slovakia in last night’s European Championship qualifier in Zilina.
Sean St Ledger gave Ireland an early lead, but Jan Durica equalised for the home side in the 35th minute.
Both sides appeared nervous after their recent defeats and it wasn’t until the 13th minute that Slovakia produced the first meaningful attack.
Juraj Kucka found himself in space but he dragged his shot wide when he should have hit the target.
However, the Irish responded in emphatic fashion. Keith Fahey who started in place of the injured Liam Lawrence, delivered a fantastic free kick.
The Slovakian defence failed to deal with the delivery and St Ledger poked the ball past Jan Mucha in the Slovakia goal at the 16 minute mark.
Fahey was the Republic’s main threat and his next shot was well saved by Mucha in the 20 minute.
Erik Jendrisek failed to convert a good Slovakian chance after Radoslav Zabavnik seized on Aiden McGeady’s mistake and crossed into the box.
However, the Republic of Ireland lost their lead after Marek Hamsik corner was flicked on to Durica, who powered a header into the net from close range.
The Republic almost immediately restored their advantage after Shane Long produced a wonderful cross from the right, only for Robbie Keane to fail to convert the chance.
Keane was given the chance to make amends after Aiden McGeady was bundled over in the Slovakian box by Mucha.
However, the goalkeeper redeemed himself after he saved a poor Keane penalty that was the perfect height for the goalkeeper.
In the second half Slovakia began to dominate the early exchanges and Hamsik nearly found away past the Irish defence, but St Ledger blocked the midfielder's effort.
Tomas Hubocan tested Shay Given with a long range shot, but the Irish had a chance of their own on the counter-attack.
Substitute Darren Gibson failed to make a decision and the Slovakian defence was able to scramble the ball away as the Manchester United midfielder hesitated.
Keane had a chance to win the match for the Republic, but his shot went over the bar in the dying minutes.
After the match the Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni said, “We deserved the win because the team that played the best was Ireland."
Russia now lead the group after they won 1-0 against Macedonia while Ireland, Slovakia and Armenia are all two points behind Russia on seven points.
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