Estonia 0-4 Republic of Ireland - Match Report
Barring an incredible turnaround in Dublin, Ireland will be celebrating their first qualification for a major tournament since 2002 come Tuesday night.
Giovanni Trapattoni went into this match against Estonia knowing that his future as Republic of Ireland boss hung in the balance but he neednt have worried as his side ran out comfortable 4-0 winners over nine man Estonia. Goals from Keith Andrews, Jonathan Walters and a brace from Robbie Keane all but sealed Irelands qualification for Euro 2012 as their opponents saw Andrei Stepanov and Raio Piiroja sent off for the home side. The opening ten minutes were a nervy and uneventful affair with very few chances. A tame shot form Jonathan Walters and a long range deflected effort from KonstantinVassiljev were the only attempts on goal. But then, virtually out of nowhere, Aiden McGeadys inch perfect cross found Andrews who directed his header expertly into the bottom corner past the outstretched Pareiko to give the Irish an early lead (13). It was an excellent header from Andrews but McGeadys expert wing play made the goal after the Spatak Moscow player had been marked out of the game up until that point. Immediately after their goal Ireland allowed Estonia to come into the game slightly and Dmitri Kruglov should have done better from a long ball into the box which he chose to volley across the six yard box instead of going for goal. McGeadys pacey run was cut short with a cynical foul from Stepanov which brought a first yellow card for the Estonian. The following free-kick led to a chance for Walters but his effort from ten yards was high and wide of the mark. Ireland restricted their opponents to long range efforts and Martin Vunk was the first to try his luck but he sliced his 30 yard shot well wide. Vassiljev was next to have a go and his long range effort was much more convincing flashing just wide of Shay Givens right hand post. Walters, who ran the Irish front line well all night, ran through just after the half hour mark but the Stoke striker was forced to shoot from a tight angle and his effort failed to trouble the keeper. Shortly afterwards Robbie Keane was brought down by Stepanov when through on goal and the Estonian defender was given his marching orders with a second yellow card that could feasibly have been a straight red. Glen Whelan failed to take advantage of the resulting free-kick which he blasted dreadfully wide of the mark. Jarmo Ahjupera was booked just before half time for a very high foot on Stephen Ward which could easily have inflicted more damage on the Wolves full-back before Vassiljevs attempted long range free-kick was sent wide. Half Time Robbie Keane had a good shot blocked just after half-time following good work down the left from Stephen Ward and Damien Duffs follow up effort was easily saved by Sergei Pareiko. Stephen Kelly dragged Vunk down on the edge of the area and Vassiljevs stinging low free-kick was deflected wide of the post by Richard Dunne.Vladimir Voskoboinikov almost made an immediate impact from the bench with a powerful drive that went just wide of Givens post before McGeady dragged a shot wide at the other end. Then after a relatively quiet period in the game Walters pounced to give Ireland a two goal lead and claim his first goal for his country. McGeadys powerful strike was well saved but Keanes lightning reactions allowed him to cross for his strike partner Walters whose header just went over the line despite some last ditch Estonian defending. Estonia captain Raio Piiroja then picked up a booking for a foul on Andrews and from the resulting freekick Robbie Keane scored his 52nd goal for his country after Andrews free-kick was parried into his path by Pareiko. Things then went from bad to worse for Estonia as their captain Piiroja saw red for a second bookable offence after a deliberate hand ball with 15 minutes still to play. Just as it seemed things couldnt get any worse for the home side Stephen Hunt was brought down in the penalty area and Keane made no mistake from the spot to seal an emphatic victory for Ireland. Trapattonis side were happy to see the rest of the game out and barring an incredible turnaround in Dublin will be celebrating their first qualification for a major tournament since 2002 come Tuesday night. Estonia: (4-4-1-1) Pareiko, Jaager, Stepanov, Piiroja (C), Klavan, Dmitrijev, Vassiljev, Vunk (Lindpere, 60), Kruglov, Kink, Ahjupera (Voskoboinikov, 54) . Rep of Ireland (4-4-2): Given, Kelly, St. Ledger, Dunne, Ward, Duff (Hunt, 73), Whelan (Fahey, 78), Andrews, McGeady, Keane (C), Walters (Cox, 85).