Slovakia and the Republic of Ireland shared the honors in Zilina, a result that leaves both teams in the qualification mix in a tight Group B. Russia lead with nine points, while Ireland and Slovakia share second place with Armenia on seven points after this draw.
Slovakia started brightly and had two goal scoring chances spurned by Kornel Salata and Juraj Kucka in the opening 15 minutes. The Republic made them pay for their wasteful finishing when Sean St Ledger gave the visitors a 1-0 lead. A well delivered free kick by Keith Fahey caused problems in the Slovakian defense, and defender St Ledger prodded home the loose ball.
Slovakia battled back gamely and almost leveled the scores when an error by winger Aiden McGeady allowed Radoslav Zabavnik to drill in a cross that Erik Jendrisek failed to convert. The Slovakian pressure paid off in the 36th minute when they netted an equalizing goal from a Marek Hamsik corner. The corner was flicked on at the near post and defender Jan Durica headed home to level the scores at 1-1.
In an entertaining game, it was Ireland’s turn to bounce back and the impressive Shane Long whipped in a dangerous cross that Robbie Keane just failed to convert. The Irish had a golden chance to go into half time with a lead when good work by winger McGeady saw him fouled and the Republic awarded a penalty. Keane stepped up but his kick was comfortably saved by Jan Mucha.
Slovakia exerted early pressure in the second half but good defensive work by St Ledger turned away Hamsik. Tomas Hubocan then tested Shay Given with a long range shot that was saved. Slovakia pushed forward in search of a winning goal, but were left vulnerable to Irish counter attacks.
Both teams wasted one final chance to win the game in the last six minutes. Tomas Oravec missed a good chance for the home side, before Robbie Keane sent a good chance flying over the crossbar in the closing minutes.
Slovakia battled back gamely and almost leveled the scores when an error by winger Aiden McGeady allowed Radoslav Zabavnik to drill in a cross that Erik Jendrisek failed to convert. The Slovakian pressure paid off in the 36th minute when they netted an equalizing goal from a Marek Hamsik corner. The corner was flicked on at the near post and defender Jan Durica headed home to level the scores at 1-1.
In an entertaining game, it was Ireland’s turn to bounce back and the impressive Shane Long whipped in a dangerous cross that Robbie Keane just failed to convert. The Irish had a golden chance to go into half time with a lead when good work by winger McGeady saw him fouled and the Republic awarded a penalty. Keane stepped up but his kick was comfortably saved by Jan Mucha.
Slovakia exerted early pressure in the second half but good defensive work by St Ledger turned away Hamsik. Tomas Hubocan then tested Shay Given with a long range shot that was saved. Slovakia pushed forward in search of a winning goal, but were left vulnerable to Irish counter attacks.
Both teams wasted one final chance to win the game in the last six minutes. Tomas Oravec missed a good chance for the home side, before Robbie Keane sent a good chance flying over the crossbar in the closing minutes.
