Republic of Ireland Remain Un-Beaten But At A Real Cost

Republic of Ireland 0 – 0 Slovakia

The Republic of Ireland have drawn their crucial Euro 2012 group B qualifier with Slovakia at the Aviva Stadium this evening.

Irelands upfront partnership failed this evening

Tonights game in terms of viewing was dire to be at and im sure for people watching at home dire to watch on the television.

The first half was an entire 45 minutes of nothing and the ‘itch’ to as Richard Dunne said mid-week to ‘throw the kitchen sink at them’ was scratched away right from the get-go of this game.

Earlier in the afternoon Shane Long was forced to pull out of tonight’s match with a ‘slight’ calf strain, Irish management saying it was just a precaution. Deputising for him was the ‘on form’ Wolves man Kevin Doyle to partner Robbie Keane upfront, for the entire first half and until the 63^rd minute when Simon Cox replaced Doyle, that partnership failed.

Shockingly the first chance the Republic had to score came on the 37^th minute, a nice ball played from Keith Andrews found the feet of Damien Duff who did well to work his way into the Slovakian box and went to offload it to Robbie Keane who was in for a certain goal but Keane had moved forward to quick and never picked up the ball.

The second half brought no signs of improvement but should have been awarded a penalty by Portugese referee Pedro Proenca Oliveira Alves Garcia when Glen Whelan was brought down in the box as he went to offload it but the ref waved play on.

Slovakia had a golden chance a few minutes later when Shay Given made a mess of a goal kick and managed to concede an in direct free kick, it was well blocked though in the end.

On The 70^th minute when the crowd would have taken a messy 1-0 victory even if the ball had gone in off someone’s arse, Robbie Keane with a golden chance at the left post, with the entire goal to work with managed to head the ball over the bar and the opportunity was lost.

Many will question how he lasted as long as he did on the pitch but on the 84^th minute Stephen Hunt who was growing frustrated on the sideline was finally brought on for Aiden McGeady who was proving to be as much use as an ash tray on a motorcycle. Surely his useless display will keep him out of the starting 11 on Tuesday’s game against Russia.

Ireland had one last chance to take the game on the 92^nd minute Richard Dunne found himself with a peach of a chance to score with a free header but took the ball wide of the goal.

The crowds response at the end of the game said everything you needed to know about this game, it now seems like Traps only way of getting 3 points is to be caught speeding down the M50.

This leaves Ireland with a massive task on their hands on Tuesday as their game with Russia has become even more important. Ireland remain unbeaten in 2011 but at a huge price

Daniel "Pitchside" Pitcher Twitter: @DanFM104Sport About: Dan "Pitchside" Pitcher provides insight and commentary as the chief soccer and rugby correspondent for Sportspeak.