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Given sees Irish through in Cyprus

08/10/2005

The Republic of Ireland's hopes of making the World Cup finals in Germany are still alive tonight after they secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cyprus.

Stephen Elliott's sixth minute strike was enough to see Brian Kerr's team take three points from their group four clash, but they will owe a major debt of thanks to goalkeeper Shay Given.

The Newcastle keeper performed heroics throughout the clash in Nicosia, not least when he turned an Ioannis Okkas penalty past the post eight minutes after Elliott gave the Irish the lead.

Sunderland striker Elliot, who came in for the suspended Clinton Morrison in Nicosia, fired home from close range after good work by Robbie Keane for a perfect start.

But from that point on it was almost all Cyprus and Given was called upon to make a string of top class saves to keep his side ahead in a first half utterly dominated by the hosts.

Kerr changed things around at the break and Ireland were more assertive in the second period and could have tied things up when Keane was sent through with 12 minutes remaining.

The Tottenham striker looked almost certain to score but Cypriot defender Lambros Lambrou got back to make a last-ditch clearance off the line.

Ireland weathered a late Cyprus storm to claim the crucial three points before turning their attention to the later game in the group between leaders France and Switzerland.

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