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Slovakia vs Republic of Ireland Report
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.