The Republic of Ireland sit second in Group B Euro 2012 qualifying following a 0-0 draw away to Russia on Tuesday.
Giovanni Trapattoni s men earned a valuable point to keep their qualification hopes alive after a solid defensive display in Moscow.
Ireland worked tirelessly to thwart Russia s constant attacks on goal, with goalkeeper Shay Given s save from
Andrey Arshavin s low drive from 20 yards a highlight.
Defender Richard Dunne then cleared off the line just past the half-hour mark, while Sergei Ignashevich s late header from an Arshavin set-piece rocketed into the side netting.
Ireland sit on 14 points in the group standings, three adrift of leaders Russia.
Elsewhere in Group B, Slovakia were beaten 4-0 at home to Armenia.
Yura Movsisyan, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Gevorg Ghazaryan and Artur Sarkisov all scored second-half goals for Vardan Minasyan s side.
The Republic of Macedonia ensured Andorra will finish last in the group standings following a 1-0 win in Skopje.
Mirko Ivanovski scored the game s only goal in the 59th minute to earn the Macedonians their second win in qualifying, while condemning Andorra to an eighth defeat in as many matches.
