The World Cup qualifier between Cyprus and the Republic of Ireland at the Neo GSP Stadium in Nicosia on Sep 5, 2009.
Ireland's dogged resilience throughout a so far unbeaten World Cup qualifying campaign was in full evidence in Nicosia as Robbie Keane’s headed winner earned his nation three priceless points as they attempt to reach next summer’s World Cup Finals.
A game that appeared to be heading towards stalemate altered dramatically when Keane converted a cross from Damien Duff for a victory which leaves them looking forward to the prospect of the visit of manager Giovanni Trapattoni’s homeland Italy, Group Eight leaders, to Dublin next month.
A play-off place, even automatic qualification, is a possibility thanks to that one moment in Nicosia.
The Republic took a fifth-minute lead through Wolves forward Kevin Doyle. Stephen Hunt’s corner was headed back across goal by Sean St. Ledger and sent goalwards by Keith Andrews, the ball falling conveniently for Doyle, who hooked home clinically from a dozen yards.
Efstathios Aloneftis whipped over an accurate cross which Ioannis Okkas met with a header, forcing Shay Given into a magnificent
one-handed save. Ireland took the initiative as a clever Doyle back heel set up Hunt for a low shot which went just wide before Richard Dunne appeared to have a strong claim for a penalty after he was impeded at Duff’s corner. But disaster struck for the visitors when Marios Elia equalised.
Dunne’s well-timed challenge stopped Aloneftis’ advance into the area, but the ball fell for Andreas Avraam, whose shot hit St. Ledger and was deflected into the path of the unmarked Elia who beat Given from just inside the Ireland box.
Glenn Whelan’s long-range shot drew a terrific save from Sofronis Avgousti at the start of a half which produced far fewer chances than the first had.
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