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Ireland struggle past Cyprus thanks to early Keane strike

15/10/2008

Republic of Ireland have gained a vital three points to keep their World Cup qualifying campaign on track but struggled against Cyprus at Croke Park.

Robbie Keane scored to only goal of the game as Giovanni Trapattoni's team won 1-0 to keep pace with Italy at the top of the group.

Keane broke the deadlock after just five minutes. Ireland's record goalscorer was able to head into an open net after Damien Duff had got free down the left flank and drawn most of the defenders towards him before crossing.

However, Ireland could not capitalise on their good start and were under pressure for much of the match.

Midway through the first half Cyprus wasted their best chance of the match when Dimitris Christofi blazed over the bar from five yards out.

In the second half Richard Dunne was forced to make a number of vital blocks to help Ireland retain their lead.

Aiden McGeady almost doubled Ireland's lead in the 75th minute but his flicked shot went just over the bar.

Ultimately Ireland will be pleased with the three points, though they would have preferred a more convincing scoreline.

Elsewhere, Northern Ireland got their first victory of the qualifying campaign with an easy 4-0 result against San Marino at Windsor Park.

David Healy scored their first when a rebound fell to him in the middle of the box and he was able to squeeze it under goalkeeper Federico Valentini.

Healy then turned provider when he laid the ball off to Grant McCann on the edge of the box and the midfielder sent a 20-yard strike into the back of the net.

In the second half Nigel Worthington's side again benefitted from a spill by Valentini. This time it was Healy's shot that was parried by the keeper but only as far as Kyle Lafferty who made it 3-0.

San Marino were then reduced to ten men when Mauro Marani was shown a straight red card for striking Michael O'Connor as the pair tussled in midfield.

Steve Davis rounded off the scoring 15 minutes from time when he flicked the ball in at the front post.