The Republic of Ireland started this Euro 2012 qualifying game in plucky form with Keane having a few early chances and hitting the crossbar with a cross for Doyle that would have given us the lead. Russia responded with a killer goal. They won a free kick on the left side of the Irish box which Arsavin whipped in, and when it broke to Dzagoev he crossed back to Kerzhakov who buried it in the back of the net after 11 minutes.
The Russians had a lot of play and in the 28th minute the ball is played down the right side and crossed across the pich. Kerzakhov does a sweet step over, and Dzagoev takes the ball and hits it well past Given from 8 yards our. It was an exceptional piece of play. The Republic are looking poor at this stage and the midfield and defence are under awful pressure. Russia attack again and nearly score this time on the left side.
The second half starts with McGeady getting in a shot that the russian keeper cqan only parry but Russia clear their lines. Dunne is called into a saving tackle before a mistake from the Irish midfield and the ball breaks to the brilliant Shirokov. He fires a shot that deflects off Richard Dunne that makes the game over as a contest after 50 minutes.
The Russians had another host of chances before Trapattoni decides to bring on a few subsitiutes Keith Fahey comes on and makes an impression flicking on a ball for Keane. Keane is brought down for a penalty decision that looks harsh on the Russians. Keane scores with his usual aplomb to the right in the 72nd minute. Shane Long who came on for Doyle nets after McGeady shoots point blank at Akinfeev.
The game fizzles out despite the Republics best efforts Russia hold onto their lead. The ball is humped long into the box but with Doyle off there is no target man. A sad display from Ireland who were not worthy of a point in this game.
Republic of Ireland:
1 Given; 4 O'Shea, 2 St Ledger, 5 Dunne, 3 Kilbane; 7 Lawrence (14 Long (62), 6 Whelan (15 Gibson '66), 8 Green, 11 McGeady; 9 Doyle (12 Fahey '71), 10 Keane.
Subs not used: 16 Westwood, 13 McShane, 17 Keogh, 18 Cunningham.
Booked: St Ledger, Doyle.
Russia:
1 Akinfeev; 2 Anyukov, 3 V Beretzutsky, 4 Ignashevich, 5 Zhirkov; 6 Shirokov, 7 Denisov, 8 Zyranov (15 Semshov '68); 11 Dzagoev (14 A Beretzutsky '85), 10 Arshavin; 9 Kerzhakov (16 Pogrebynak '80).
Subs not used: 12 Gabulov, 17 Bystrov, 18 Bilyaletdinov, 19 Bukharov.
Booked: Denisov, A Beretzutsky.
Referee: Kevin Blom (Netherlands)
Attendance: 50,411.