Irish Draw in Russia looks all the More Sweeter After Slovakia Slip Up

The 0-0 draw by Trapattoni’s team against Russia in Moscow might not have been the prettiest performance in the world, but following the Slovakian’s 4-0 thumping at home to Armenia, the outlook is now a lot more positive for the green army.

Following Ireland’s lacklustre performance against Slovakia in Dublin Friday night, expectations were not too high going into Ireland’s make or break clash with the Russians. The game in Moscow was pretty similar to that in Dublin, with Russia dominating possession and putting Ireland under pressure.

However, the Russians put Ireland under a lot more severe pressure than the Slovak’s, and if it wasn’t for two absolute master class performances from Shay Given and Richard Dunne, then Ireland would not have left Russia with a valuable point.

Given and Dunne have been putting in monumental performances in the green shirt for a long time, with their performances against Russia up there with their best. If Ireland is to qualify for Euro 2012, which now looks a lot more possible following Armenia’s 4-0 demolition of Slovakia, then it will be because of the Aston Villa pair.

As Per usual, Trap’s men went out on the defensive and were totally outplayed in the midfield. With John O’ Shea and St Ledger ruled out of the tie, Stephen Kelly and Darren O’Dea were drafted in as replacements, with the latter putting in a fine performance alongside Dunne. Ireland failed to carve out a clear cut chance in the game, with the team set up once again favouring Ireland away from home.

Two inspirational off the line saves by Given and Dunne, made sure that Ireland returned home with a point that could now see them advance to at least the play-off stages of the competition. Following the folding of the Slovak’s against Armenia at home, Ireland now have a genuine chance to win the group, with qualifying for the play-offs at least in their own hands now.

Slovakia hosts the Russians in the next set of fixtures and they will have to go for a win to remain in the running for at least second place in the group. This could see Ireland leap frog Russia at the top of the group should they beat minnows Andorra away from home. Ireland then finish up their group fixtures with a now crucial encounter at home to Armenia.

It doesn’t often happen but it looks as though Ireland have been thrown a lifeline in a qualifying campaign. The task is simple now, win our remaining two fixtures and we will be guaranteed at least a play-off spot. On the other hand, should Russia drop points against Slovakia and Ireland claim all six points in their remaining games; Ireland will then win the group.

However, if history is anything to go by, Ireland never do things the simple way. On the other hand, it was all doom and gloom after the Slovakia game, it just goes to show what a few days and a couple of results can do. Trapattoni and Ireland have been given a lifeline; can Ireland take that lifeline and run with it now? Only time and a major improvement in fitness and game time for the players will tell.