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Russia in need of response in Ireland

Group B leaders the Republic of Ireland face a Russia squad who were shocked at home by Slovakia last time out as the road to Poland and Ukraine continues apace.

Russia were unable to take any points off Slovakia despite the best efforts of Andrey Arshavin (left)
Russia were unable to take any points off Slovakia despite the best efforts of Andrey Arshavin (left) ©Getty Images

The Republic of Ireland play host to Russia in their third UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group B fixture well aware that their upcoming opponents have endured a tough time on previous trips to Dublin.

Match background
• The Republic of Ireland's record in 13 games against Russia and the Soviet Union reads W4 D3 L6 (W4 D2 L2 at home).

• The two teams last met in a pair of qualifiers for UEFA EURO 2004, when Russia kicked off their campaign with a 4-2 triumph in Moscow, racking up a 3-0 lead and sealing maximum points thanks to a Phil Babb own goal after Clinton Morrison and Gary Doherty had reduced the deficit. The return encounter in Dublin on 6 September 2003 then ended 1-1, Sergei Ignashevich cancelling out Damien Duff's opener before half-time.

• Although the Soviet Union won 2-1 in Dublin in the sides' first meeting – a FIFA World Cup qualifier on 18 October 1972 – Dublin has proved a testing destination. That was the Soviet Union's only competitive victory in the Irish capital and Russia have not prevailed in a competitive fixture since, with the hosts winning two of those games and drawing the other.

 

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