Ireland and Slovakia celebrate victories in Euro 2012 qualifying Group B

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Republic of Ireland snared a share of the lead in Euro 2012 qualifying Group B after defeating Macedonia 2-1 in Dublin on March 27.

Goals inside the first 25 minutes from Aiden McGeady and Robbie Keane had Ireland cruising but Ivan Trickovski's strike on the stroke of half-time gave the visitors hope. But for all of Macedonia's late pressure, Ireland held on to claim all three points in an unconvincing performance.

Ireland managed to move to the equal-top of their group after Russia were held to a 0-0 draw in Armenia. Despite fielding the likes of Andrei Arshavin, Yuri Zhirkov and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, Vardan Minasyan's side were compact enough to keep the Russians at bay.

The other Group B fixture saw Slovakia claim a 1-0 away win at Andorra thanks to Filip Sebo's first-half goal. The former Rangers forward is now at Slovan Bratislava and has been in a rich vein of form recently, with his 21st minute strike his seventh in his last six matches.

The result sees the Republic of Ireland, Russia and Slovakia all locked on 10 points at the top of the group, with Slovakia leading the way courtesy of goal difference, www.soccerway.com reported. Armenia have 8 points.