Duo through after titanic tussle

Russia, the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus all found free-scoring form in UEFA European Championship first qualifying round Group 9, but only the first two went through to the next stage.

Duo progress
Two big opening wins from Russia ultimately proved enough for them to win the group, with their last-minute conquerors on the final day, Ireland, in second. Hosts Cyprus were pipped to automatic qualification, and their hopes of reaching the next round as the best third-placed side were also ended.

Convincing win
Ireland and Russia were convincing victors on the opening day in Limassol. In the Yermasoyia Municipal stadium, goals early in each half from Andy Keogh and further strikes from Paul McShane and substitute Conal Platt gave Ireland a 4-0 win against Andorra.

Russia in form
Meanwhile at the Tsirion stadium, the hosts fell 5-1 to Russia. Ivan Chpakov's 14th-minute effort gave Russia the lead, which was doubled just after the hour mark by Serguei Kouznetsov. On 20 minutes, Georgios Panagi pulled one back from the penalty spot, but within the next five minutes Chpakov and substitute Leonid Boev had extended Russia's advantage, their win confirmed when another replacement, Kirill Kochubey found the target seven minutes from time.

Andorra eliminated
A 5-0 victory against Andorra ensured Russia led the way after the second set of games in Larnaca. Boev and Alexey Rebko started the scoring in the first ten minutes at the Ammohostos stadium and Igor Byrlov increased the advantage before the break. Boev struck again on 72 minutes and Ivan Taranov claimed the fifth in added time.

Cypriot joy
However, Cyprus recovered from their opening defeat to beat Ireland 1-0 at the Gyunas Syllogos Zenon stadium. Christodoulos Kosma struck on eleven minutes, and a fine display from Cypriot goalkeeper Nikolas Asprogenis ensured his side ended the day second in the table on head-to-head record.

Ireland survive
The action returned to Limassol on the final day, and Ireland knew only victory was likely to be good enough against Russia at the Tsirion stadium - who themselves only needed to avoid losing by a nine-goal margin to ensure a top-two place. Ireland took the lead on 48th-minute through a Patrick Gregg penalty, only for Taranov to level from the spot before the hour. With Cyprus ahead against Andorra, it seemed Ireland were heading out, but in added time Jonathan Hayes was brought off the bench, and in the second addition minute the substitute headed in Gregg's cross to decide the game and take his side through.

Hosts miss out
Cyprus took 55 minutes to open the scoring at the Yermasoyia Municipal stadium, but once Ilias Vattis had struck against Andorra, they were on their way. In the 61st minute, Andorra's Sergi Moreno Marin and Albert Rodriguez, plus Cyprus's Michalis Dimitriou were all sent off, and between the 72nd and 85th minute Menelaos Aristidou struck a swift hat-trick. Vattis completed the 5-0 victory, but home joy was short-lived as Ireland's win knocked Cyprus from second place.