Bulgaria 1-1 Republic of Ireland

A late injury scare for Richard Dunne but he started the match and proved pivotal as the giant defender produced another top class man of the match performance. Ireland survived a couple of early half chances as Berbatov and the 2 Petrovs carved Ireland open. The Irish got more into the game and took the lead after 24 minutes as Stephen Hunt’s corner was met unchallenged by Richard Dunne who bulleted it in. The lead lasted just five minutes as a speculative long ball saw Kevin Kilbane hesitate just a second too long to allow Dimitar Telkiyski to score the equaliser.

The final hour of the match saw the home side dominate and as the clock ticked down the Bulgarians had more posession and Ireland couldn’t muster a shot from the 70th minute until the 90th when Aiden McGeady shot wide from 25 yards. The Irish defence were magnificent despite Dunne carrying his injury and the big man’s excellent form rubbed off on Sean St Ledger who had a great match. Bulgaria laid siege to Ireland’s goal but Ireland survived to get the point they deserved . Ireland are now almost assured of at least a playoff for South Africa 2010.

Bob "The Voice" McKenzie Twitter: @BobTheVoice About: