Steve Finnan struck in stoppage time to save the Republic of Ireland against Cyprus.
Finnan saves Ireland against Cyprus
Steve Finnan struck in stoppage time to save the Republic of Ireland against Cyprus, but Steve Staunton's side's faint hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008 ended on Wednesday.
Cyprus defeated Wales at the weekend and were heading for another three points in Group D after Stelios Okkarides headed home with 10 minutes remaining.
However, Liverpool full-back Finnan saved the Republic's blushes late in the game when he fired through a crowd from the edge of the area and hit the back of the net to salvage a point for the hosts at Croke Park.
Staunton and captain Robbie Keane had spoken of the desire for revenge in the build-up to this clash after the Republic's humiliating 5-2 defeat in Nicosia a year ago.
The pressure had mounted on the Irish boss ever since that night and he was well aware he required victory - and an impressive one at that - to placate the growing army of critics who believed he should be relieved of his duties.
With Andy Reid recovering from an ankle injury and Paul McShane and Stephen Hunt starting after suspension, Staunton had reason to start positively.
The reshuffled Irish side - with Joey O'Brien shunted into midfield to make room for McShane - did just that with both Kevin Doyle and Reid hitting shots which tested Cyprus goalkeeper Antonis Georgallides.
The Republic's best chance of the first-half came in the 29th minute after Finnan charged down the right flank in acres of space before crossing for Keane, whose firm header was saved by Georgallides.
Pressure building
Cyprus came close to snatching the lead moments later when Yiasoumis was played through in the box but, as if surprised by his sudden opportunity, stabbed a golden chance straight at Given.
Soon after he came even closer with a header which went inches wide from a Costas Charalampidis cross.
And Cyprus came close to causing embarrassment again two minutes before the break when Hunt's attempted punt towards the box ricocheted off a visiting player and sent three Cyprus players racing clear over the halfway line.
With Given charging out of his goal in a vain bid to reach the ball first, Marios Nikolau spotted his chance but scuffed his attempted long-distance lob and the ball flew well wide of target.
Staunton was under pressure to inspire his side to make a good start to the second half but instead Cyprus kept up the pressure and Yiannakis Okkas broke clear - only to see his shot beat Given but hit the outside of the post.
The inconsistent home side created a fine chance of their own in the 55th minute when Reid found Hunt whose header flashed inches wide of the target.
Keane missed a great chance to finally break the deadlock 15 minutes from time when he jumped highest to meet a perfect Doyle cross from the right but sent his powerful header inches wide.
Goals
And the Irish nightmare appeared to be realised in the 80th minute when Constantinos Makridis crossed from the right and Okkarides rose unchallenged in the Irish box to head the ball past Given.
It was left to Finnan to supply the late drama with virtually the last kick of the game, before Cypriot Marios Elia was sent off in the aftermath of the equaliser.
| Republic of Ireland |
Team Statistics |
Cyprus |
|
| 1 |
Goals |
1 |
|
| 0 |
1st Half Goals |
0 |
|
| 3 |
Shots on Target |
2 |
|
| 8 |
Shots off Target |
5 |
|
| 4 |
Blocked Shots |
1 |
|
| 8 |
Corners |
0 |
|
| 12 |
Fouls |
23 |
|
| 0 |
Offsides |
6 |
|
| 1 |
Yellow Cards |
1 |
|
| 0 |
Red Cards |
1 |
|
| 78.2 |
Passing Success |
76.8 |
|
| 20 |
Tackles |
41 |
|
| 65 |
Tackles Success |
65.9 |
|
| 53.9 |
Possession |
46.1 |
|
| 62.4 |
Territorial Advantage |
37.6 |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
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