Video on uefa.com

Qualifying round - 14 October 2009 20:00 (CET) (19:00 local time) - Croke Park - Dublin - Republic of Ireland
Republic of IrelandMontenegro
Republic of Ireland0 - 0
Montenegro

Irish eyes turn to play-offs after draw

Wednesday 14 October 2009
Match report
Montenegro's Mitar Novaković and Nikola Drinčić converge on Martin RowlandsMontenegro's Mitar Novaković and Nikola Drinčić converge on Martin Rowlands (©Getty Images)

The Republic of Ireland will head into next month's FIFA World Cup play-offs with their unbeaten record in Group 8 intact after a goalless draw with Montenegro in Dublin.  

Dunne header
Ireland's hopes of an automatic path to South Africa were dashed by Alberto Gilardino's last-minute equaliser for Italy on Saturday, leaving 100-cap Shay Given and Kevin Kilbane to take centre stage on Wednesday. Richard Dunne's first-half header against the crossbar was as near as the hosts came to breaking the deadlock while Montenegro went closest through Branko Bošković in the first half and Mitar Novaković in the second. A point apiece was fair reflection, however, and Irish eyes turn to November's play-offs.

©uefa.com 1998-2009. All rights reserved.

Match Content