First-half penalties from Shane Long and James McClean were not enough for Republic of Ireland as they drew 2-2 with Slovakia in Dublin on Tuesday.
ADVERTISEMENT
Report: Republic of Ireland 2-2 Slovakia
Two first-half penalties from Shane Long and James McClean were not enough as Ireland were held to a 2-2 draw by Slovakia in Dublin.
___4859194___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___4859194___2016___3___30___1___irelandslovakia-cropped_crzwwslo1cyk15bmdxsdv1mkp
Recommended articles
The hosts fell behind in the 14th minute when a mistake from Paul McShane gifted Slovakia the opportunity, with Miroslav Stoch applying an accomplished finish.
Ireland bounced back through a Shane Long penalty after 21 minutes, although replays suggested goalkeeper Matus Kozacik got a touch to the ball when challenging the striker.
Winger James McClean was then on hand to score from the spot just moments later after Long was brought down by Liverpool centre-back Martin Skrtel.
ADVERTISEMENT
Martin O'Neill's side could have scored again before McShane netted an own goal to leave the teams tied at 2-2 at half-time.
Substitutions hampered the flow of the match after the interval, but Ireland held on for a result that extends their unbeaten run to four matches, while Slovakia have not lost in five, as both teams stepped up their preparations for Euro 2016.
Ireland's first chance of the game fell to McClean after a brilliant run from Long. The Southampton frontman charged down the right before feeding the ball to McClean, but his effort was palmed away by Kozacik.
Despite their strong start, O'Neill's men fell behind when Stoch capitalised on a mistake from McShane. The centre-back committed himself and missed the ball on the halfway line, allowing Erik Sabo to cut back for Stoch, who curled the ball into the top right-hand corner.
Ireland goalkeeper Rob Elliot, earning his fourth cap, was forced off after picking up an injury in attempting the save – Darren Randolph his replacement.
ADVERTISEMENT
The lead lasted just eight minutes, though, as Long levelled from 12 yards after being brought down by Kozacik.
A second penalty two minutes later was converted by McClean into the bottom-right corner, before John O'Shea – winning his 110th cap - had a header blocked on the line by Jan Gregus.
Sloppy defending cost Ireland again just short of the half-time whistle and McShane scored an own goal in trying to deny Robert Vittek from Peter Pekarik's cross.
With some places in his squad still up for grabs, O'Neill made numerous changes during the second-half. Winger Robbie Brady had already come on for Long, who looked to be nursing a calf injury late in the first half.
And Brady could have scored after a lay-off by Wes Hoolahan, but a goalmouth scramble was eventually cleared by the visitors in what was one of very few chances in the second period.
ADVERTISEMENT
With both sides making plenty of changes towards the end, the action dried up, but neither will be too disappointed with a closely fought draw, as both coaches look to finalise their Euro 2016 squads.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh
Recommended articles
The Intersection of Enthusiasm: United Kingdom's local motorsports and Ghana's rising stars
Video: Watch Fatawu Issahaku’s hat trick in Leicester City’s win against Southampton
RTU suspends coach Abdulai Mumin over match-fixing allegations
Hearts of Oak are better off playing with an empty post than using Richard Attah – Taylor
Sorry for causing you a lot of pain – Dr. Prosper Ogum apologizes to Kotoko fans
Govt hasn't paid us – African Games gold medalist Winnifred Ntumi 'cries' out
Dumsor is part of the reasons why we lost against Legon Cities – Hearts of Oak coach
Black Stars midfielder Daniel Kofi Kyereh to miss rest of season due to injury
