Russia in need of response in Ireland
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Article summary
Group B leaders the Republic of Ireland face a Russia squad who were shocked at home by Slovakia last time out as the road to Poland and Ukraine continues apace.
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Article body
The Republic of Ireland play host to Russia in their third UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group B fixture well aware that their upcoming opponents have endured a tough time on previous trips to Dublin.
Match background
• The Republic of Ireland's record in 13 games against Russia and the Soviet Union reads W4 D3 L6 (W4 D2 L2 at home).
• The two teams last met in a pair of qualifiers for UEFA EURO 2004, when Russia kicked off their campaign with a 4-2 triumph in Moscow, racking up a 3-0 lead and sealing maximum points thanks to a Phil Babb own goal after Clinton Morrison and Gary Doherty had reduced the deficit. The return encounter in Dublin on 6 September 2003 then ended 1-1, Sergei Ignashevich cancelling out Damien Duff's opener before half-time.
• Although the Soviet Union won 2-1 in Dublin in the sides' first meeting – a FIFA World Cup qualifier on 18 October 1972 – Dublin has proved a testing destination. That was the Soviet Union's only competitive victory in the Irish capital and Russia have not prevailed in a competitive fixture since, with the hosts winning two of those games and drawing the other.
