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Ireland into European Championship play-offs after nervy night in Dublin

Win over Armenia seals the deal for Giovanni Trapattoni

Published Tuesday, October 11, 2011, 3:49 PM

Updated Tuesday, October 11, 2011, 3:57 PM

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Ireland V Armenia

Photo by Google Images

The goal finally sparked the near full Aviva into life and they were on their feet again when Moscow lionheart Richard Dunne bundled the ball from five yards after substitute ‘keeper Petrosyan fluffed a McGeady cross on the hour mark.

Ireland were living dangerously within 60 seconds however when Shay Given failed to hold a Mkhitaryan shot from the edge of the box.

That goal gave Armenia hope. They were back on level terms, numerically only, when Doyle received a second yellow card and then a red for elbowing Mkrtchyan in the 80th minute.

Doyle will now miss the play-offs and Keane is struggling to be fit for next month but Ireland are there after a night when the right was all that mattered.

Rep of Ireland: Given; O’Shea, Dunne, St Ledger, Kelly; McGeady (Hunt 67 mins), Whelan (Fahey 76 mins), Andrews, Duff; Doyle, Cox (Walters 80 mins).

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Fightin69th | Oct 12, 2011, 01:29 PM EDT

Phlutie: Robbie Keane was there at the match on the bench supporting the guys. Trap excused him from the training grounds so he could spend time with firends & family. Trap didn't let on to the media how serious keane's injury was, for it could of tipped off the Armenians in their game-plan. Robbie is the last person to let his country down. And if you saw all the match, you would of seen him on the coverage.

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PhlutiePhan | Oct 12, 2011, 09:48 AM EDT

I watched the game. The Armenian keeper came out of the penalty area to challenge Simon Cox. He jumped in the air to block a lob which hit him in the chest and then his arms. The call was just. The next keeper was given a yellow card for making a save and then sliding out of the penalty box. There may be a pattern here! The Irish played lots better. Cox was a "spark". However, their offense appeared disorganized at best. The own goal was tragic for Armenia. The shot was indeed wide and the defender panicked and kicked it in. Duff continues to be the team leader. Where was Keane? He took off injured. Was he really injured and why wasn't he there for moral support? I am quite sure that he flew back to Hollywood for a party. When decadence calls, Ireland comes in second. I say don't let him play in the playoffs.

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carrickcourt | Oct 12, 2011, 09:25 AM EDT

Ireland always seems to get a win despite it's self somehow.

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