Armenia 0 - 1 Ireland in 2012 European Championship qualifier

PanARMENIAN.Net - Substitute Keith Fahey scored a late winner Friday to secure a 1-0 victory for Ireland over Armenia in their qualifying opener for the 2012 European Championship.

Fahey came on for Aiden McGeady in the 68th minute and pounced on a rebound eight minutes later after goalkeeper Roman Berezovsky failed to control Robbie Keane's shot from inside the box.

Keane had hit the post previously, as Ireland wasted a number of chances to take the lead.

Henrik Mkhitaryan had Armenia's first effort on goal with a low shot from the right forcing Shay Given to make a save in the 14th minute. Eight minutes later Berezovsky blocked Glenn Whelan's header from a corner. Given made two more saves late in the first half to deny the home side from scoring.

"It was a hot game," AP quoted Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni as sayng. "The last 15 minutes were really tough for the Irish team."

Armenia pressed for an equalizer but Given blocked Karlen Mkrtchyan's shot from outside the box and saved two efforts from late substitute Edgar Manucharyan in the 84th and 89th.

Ireland next hosts Andorra on Tuesday, while Armenia travels to FYR Macedonia.

Group B also includes Russia and Slovakia.