Doyle header delights Ireland

Kevin Doyle's early header earned the Republic of Ireland a narrow victory against Slovakia at Croke Park in Dublin to keep alive their hopes of progressing from UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying Group D.

Brave header
The Reading FC striker, replacing the suspended Robbie Keane, bravely headed in Damien Duff's curling free-kick in the 13th minute and the home team held firm in the face of a vigorous revival from Slovakia, who created several opportunities but were unable to find an equaliser. Ireland now have 13 points from seven games and are level with Germany and the Czech Republic at the head of the section, although they have played a match more than the Czechs and two more than Germany.

Perfect start
The home side, seeking a fourth successive competitive win, started slowly and goalkeeper Shay Given was called into action with barely a minute gone, scrambling to palm a bouncing Robert Vittek effort past the post. The next chance, however, fell to Ireland and led to the goal as Doyle got ahead of Martin Škrtel to meet Duff's right-wing free-kick with a near-post header and give Steve Staunton's team the perfect start.

Given record
Both sides had further openings as the half unfolded, Vittek drawing another fine stop from Given while at the other end, Kamil Čontofalský recovered to keep out Kevin Kilbane's header having failed to catch a Duff corner. Slovakia began the second period on the front foot once more, pressing the hosts back and it took a superbly-timed tackle from Paul McShane to deny Martin Jakubko as the forward shaped to shoot.

Late scare
For all Slovakia's pressure, however, it was Ireland who came closest to a second goal as Stephen Hunt's outswinging corner was met by fellow substitute Shane Long, whose powerful downward header was blocked on the line by Vratislav Greško. Ireland survived one late scare as Given was equal to Filip Hološko's effort and they will look to build on this result when they visit Slovakia on 8 September.