There wasn't much to inspire either set of spectators in this drab draw in Cardiff's Millenium Stadium on Wednesday night, as Wales and the Republic of Ireland played out a 0-0 scoreline. The best of the chances fell to West Brom striker Shane Long, who had 2 good chances either side of the break. Paddy Madden and Robbie Brady also had good chances for the visitors, who dominated a dreadful match. Neither side managed a shot on target in the first half; the first save of the game was made by Sunderland keeper Kieran Westwood; diving to smother a Craig Bellamy free-kick. Wales looked frankly toothless without the talismanic Gareth Bale, who watched from the sidelines, and will not relish their final qualifying games, unless they can seriously improve their form. Ireland were on top for much of the second half, and their inability to take chances will worry their Italian manager Giovanni Trappatoni. However, neither team looked good from a poor game. Next up for Chris Coleman's away trip to bottom of the table Macedonia, in an important game for league positioning, on Friday 6th September. The Republic host Sweden on the same night in a crucial qualifier for them. A win on the night would be a giant step towards qualification for the Irish; defeat will see them almost certainly out of the qualifying reckoning, unless they can beat Germany away from home, an unlikely feat in any scenario. On the basis of tonight's fare, both countries will be up against it.
Wales: Boaz Myhill, Chris Gunther, Ashley Williams (c), Sam Ricketts, Ben Davies, Jack Collison (Craig Davies 82), Joe Allen (Crofts 86), Joe Ledley (King 60), Hal Robson-Kanu, Jonathan Williams, Craig Bellamy (Vokes 60).
Subs not used: Hennessey, Gabbidon, Taylor, Matthews, Vaughan, Church, Richards, Williams.
Rep of Ireland: Kieren Westwood, Seamus Coleman, Ciaran Clark, John O'Shea (c) (Darren O'Dea 60), Marc Wilson, Jon Walters (Conor Sammon 84), James McCarthy, Glenn Whelan (Paul Green 60), Robbie Brady (James McClean h/t), Wes Hoolahan (Paddy Madden 69), Shane Long (Andy Keogh 74).
Subs not used: Randolph, Kelly, McShane, Hendrick, Meyler, Henderson.
Referee: Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic).