Ireland struggle in San Marino

dpa German Press Agency Published: Wednesday February 7, 2007

Serravalle- Ireland on Wednesday came anxiously close to being held to a draw in a Euro qualifier by European minnows San Marino and needed a last gasp goal to win 2-1. Stephen Ireland scored in the fourth minute of injury time in the Group D game in Serravalle to give Ireland the three points.

Kevin Kilbane had given the visitors the lead in the 49th minute. Striker Mauro Marani thought he had secured a share of the spoils for the underdogs when he equalized after a defensive blunder four minutes from the end, but Ireland gave Steve Staunton's side the victory.

Ireland move into third place in Group D with seven points from five matches. Germany and the Czech Republic both have 10 points from four games, while Slovakia are fourth with six points from four games.

© 2006 dpa German Press Agency