Republic of Ireland 2 Russia 3: Giovanni Trapattoni's men can't complete spirited comeback as Euro 2012 hopes take a hit

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By COLIN YOUNG

Down beat: John O'She can't hide his disappointment during Republic of Ireland's defeat


The Republic of Ireland blew their chance to take a firm grip on their Euro 2012 qualifying group as they were outclassed by rampant Russia in Dublin last night.

Just hours before a near-capacity crowd filled the new-look Lansdowne Road for the first time, Armenia threw Group B wide open with a shock 3-1 win over World Cup finalists Slovakia in Yerevan.

That offered unbeaten Ireland the chance to extend their lead over the Russians, who themselves suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat to Slovakia in Moscow last month, but Giovanni Trapattoni's men blew it and, although Robbie Keane and Shane Long set up a frantic finally 10 minutes with two late goals, they were humiliated by the visitors.

Sadly for Trapattoni, who could only select three Premier League regulars last night, his side's inexperience and regular inactivity finally caught up with them.

But for once he was outclassed by opposite number Dick Advocaat too, only changing his tactics to contend with a Russian midfield which has toyed with Paul Green and Glenn Whelan.


From Russia with love: Russia celebrate Roman Shirokov's goal


Trapattoni admitted: 'I can look for the excuses but we had three or four players without playing regularly. It was clear in the first half but I didn't think we would concede three goals

'I told the team at half-time in the dressing room now we have to show your pride and at least they did that.'

Russia took the lead in the 10th minute when Alexander Kerzhakov sneaked in front of Richard Dunne to hammer Sergey Ignashevich's overhead kick off Sean St Ledger's knee.


Back in the game: Robbie Keane started the Republic's fightback from the spot


The visitors squandered several chances before Alan Dzagoev tapped in the second under Shay Given to complete a slick move.

Any chance of a second half comeback appeared to have been killed off five minutes after the re-start when the outstanding Roman Shirokov's speculative shot from 30 yards clipped Dunne's knee and wrong-footed poor Given.


Heated: Liam Lawrence (centre) has an exchange of words with Igor Denisov


And Ireland failed to create anything until their 72nd minute penalty. Captain Robbie Keane netted his 45th Ireland goal when he sent Igor Akinfeev the wrong way after he had fallen under a soft challenge from Chelsea's Yuriy Zhirkov.

Long's fourth Ireland goal set up a tense finale but for all the home side's bluster, the best chance fell to substitute Alexey Berezutskiy who missed in front of goal.




source :dailymail [endtext]