Football: Republic of Ireland

Brian Kerr has always been regarded as something of a 'lucky' manager, and the Gods certainly smiled on the Republic of Ireland boss at Lansdowne Road on Saturday afternoon.

Just when it looked as if Kerr's first competitive match at home since he took charge in January was going to end in a disappointing draw, Ireland were handed an unlikely winner in the form of an Albanian own goal - two minutes into stoppage time.

It could be argued that for all their hard work and effort they deserved the three points which kept alive their hopes of qualifying for next summer's European Championship finals in Portugal, but spare a thought for Hans-Pieter Briegel's dogged Albania team who came agonisingly close to securing a famous away point.

None of that will be shown in the statistics, and Ardian Aliaj's own goal which added to Robbie Keane's early strike could prove to be a turning point if Kerr's men go on and secure qualification from group 10.

Albania coach Hans-Pieter Briegel accused Ireland of breaking the law of fair play after his team lost 2-1 thanks to an injury-time own goal.

Robbie Keane gave Brian Kerr's men a sixth-minute lead only for Ervin Skela to equalise two minutes later.

The controversy came two minutes into stoppage time when Albania kicked the ball into touch so that striker Igli Tare could receive treatment. When play restarted, Ireland kept possession and scored the winner as substitute Gary Doherty's cross was sliced into his own net by Ardian Aliaj.

Briegel, who also claimed the Irish committed a foul when scoring their opening goal, said:

"Ireland are famed for their fair play, and Albania kicked the ball out because our player was injured.

"Ireland had the ball to throw back but they didn't give it to Albania. Make up your own mind, but Albania were expecting the ball back from the Irish.

"There is an unwritten law in football so we cannot make a complaint to Uefa, it is the law of fair play.''

However, Republic coach Brian Kerr defended his players and hit back by accusing the Albanians of unsporting behaviour in the way they constantly went down seeking treatment.

"There was a lot of unsporting behaviour when their players looked like there was something wrong with them, but I didn't see an awful lot wrong with them,'' said Kerr.

"There was also an incident in the second half after their goalkeeper was injured and play was restarted with the referee giving them the ball.

"They attacked us when our players assumed the referee was going to invite them to kick the ball into our half of the pitch. They didn't go about their business in what I would have thought was a fair way."

Tottenham utility man Doherty, who played a key role in the winning goal, also dismissed Albania's claims and criticised Briegel's men.

He said: "They did it first. I know revenge isn't a good thing but if they did it first then fair play to us. Also, they went down a lot and we thought it was a bit dodgy. Obviously that is in their game to go down and try and break up the play."

Sour Grapes...They got beat and that is that.....LMAO

Exactly right

Republic of Ireland went second in their Euro 2004 qualifying group beating Georgia 2-0.

Goals in each half from Gary Doherty and Robbie Keane continued coach Brian Kerr's flying start in the job after taking over early in the campaign.

Though the Republic looked sluggish in beating Albanai 2-1 on Saturday, they totally dominated the Georgians, missing four key players through injury.

The only disappointment on the night was a 3-2 victory for group leaders Switzerland over the Albanians which keeps them in pole position in Group 10.

The Irish had plenty of chances but needed to wait until the last minute of the first half to take the lead.

He headed home Kevin Kilbane's cross to give his side the perfect lift going into the break.

The livewire Keane hit the bar before the Spurs striker collected Lee Carsley's hooked ball and fired under keeper Georgi Lomaia with aplomb.


Afterwards Republic coach Brian Kerr said: "I'm quite happy with the performance.

"We worked really hard and were a nice compact unit.

"I was very satisfied, there was a nice shape about us and we kept them down to long-range shooting."

Well this was a bit better tonight for ireland and robbie keane on the scoresheet,it makes me wonder what he is doing at spurs...!!

He won't stay when they go down this season!!!

I dont know what robbie keane was thinking when he went to spurs,he is a good player and deserves a better team...

I think it was a chance to go to a club that wouldn't be in the spot light all the time and he could develop his game. After coming back from injury it was the perfect place to go to recover. He probably got spun some rubbish about how they were going forward and everthing as well.....

Republic of Ireland's hopes of qualifying for next summer's European Championship finals in Portugal suffered a big blow as Brian Kerr's men were held 1-1 at home by Russia.

Damien Duff gave Ireland the lead with an inspirational run and shot after 34 minutes, although it took a wicked deflection of Russian skipper Victory Onopko, but Sergey Ignashevich swept home the equaliser after 41 minutes after Shay Given failed to clear Alexander Mostovoi's corner.

Ireland will need to win their final game of the Group 10 campaign when they visit Switzerland next month, but they must go there without skipper Kenny Cunningham who will be suspended after being booked on his 50th international appearance.



Afterwards boss Brian Kerr insisted his team can go to Switzerland next month and secure the win they need to guarantee them at least a play-off place in the race to qualify for Euro 2004.