Ireland sign off with convincing Kazakhstan win

The Republic of Ireland signed off from FIFA World Cup qualifying Group C by beating Kazakhstan 3-1. 

The match in Dublin burst into life when Dmitri Shomko made David Forde's net billow with a virtuoso effort. Robbie Keane responded with a coolly dispatched penalty before John O'Shea rounded off the first-half scoring. Any Irish nerves were settled 12 minutes from time when the ubiquitous Shomko put through his own net.

Kazakhstan had the perfect start after 13 minutes. Collecting the ball with his back to goal, defender Shomko turned sharply before unleashing a swerving left-footed shot that nestled inside the far corner. The lead was fleeting, however, Keane keeping his composure from the spot after Aleksandr Kislitsyn handled in the area. Sunderland AFC defender O'Shea quickly completed the turnaround, firing in from close range as Kazakshtan failed to clear their lines.

Ireland resumed with authority after the interval. Andy Reid led the charge, scurrying down the left and sweeping into the path of Glenn Whelan, whose sweetly struck effort grazed a post. At the other end, substitute Igor Yurin came close to levelling when his long-range attempt skipped off the surface and whistled wide. The result was subsequently put beyond doubt, though, Aiden McGeady's cutback eluding Keane and bobbling in off Shomko.