Weiss relieved by Slovakia equaliser

UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group B looks like being the closest of all nine sections and Slovakia remain in contention after earning a 1-1 draw against the Republic of Ireland that coach Vladimír Weiss compared to a "miracle" before hailing 100-cap midfielder Miroslav Karhan.

Sean St Ledger had put the visitors into a 16th-minute lead as they attempted to recover from Friday's home defeat by Russia. But 20 minutes later Ján Ďurica equalised and, after Robbie Keane's penalty was saved by Ján Mucha just before half-time, both Slovakia and Ireland, as well as Armenia, sit two points behind group leaders Russia after four games.

"It was a tough match," said Weiss, whose team lost in Armenia on Friday. "Especially when a strong opponent like Ireland scores first. But we got an equaliser, which is sometimes a miracle against Ireland. I have to be satisfied, given they could have scored a second from the penalty. It was a crucial moment, but Mucha conceded it and then saved it. Everything is possible in this group. In my opinion, Karhan was our best player."

Goalkeeper Mucha added: "With the penalty I knew I had to wait until the last moment. I believed I could save it. We wanted to win, but one point isn't a bad result. I think in this group it will be a case of fighting until the last second of the last game."

The 34-year-old Karhan, meanwhile, repaid the compliment to Weiss. "Playing my 100th game for Slovakia sounds good, but there are more important things," he said. "This was not my main motivation. But if I should add one thing about my 100th appearance, it is thank you to coach Vladimír Weiss who believed in me when others said I was too old and not right for the national team. It's a pity we did not win but it was a tough game and this group will be dramatic until the end."

Having dropped their first points on Friday, Ireland were keen not to fall behind Russia, so manager Giovanni Trapattoni was frustrated. "We had a good chance to win in Zilina, I believed that before kick-off. Everything went well, we scored the first goal, but the game is over and we have just one point. Maybe we are still in a better position in the group than Slovakia after this draw, but there is a long way to go."