﻿ Republic of Ireland race towards Euro 2012 | News | Al Jazeera

Republic of Ireland race towards Euro 2012


     Captain Robbie Keane (R) scored twice in Ireland's 4-0 win against nine-man Estonia [GALLO/GETTY] 

    The Republic of Ireland, Croatia and the Czech Republic all took giant steps towards qualifying for Euro 2012 on Friday but Portugal were left with plenty of work to do after their stalemate in Bosnia.

    In Tallinn, Ireland swept aside Estonia 4-0 to put themselves on the brink of their first European championships since 1988 and erase memories of their painful 2010 World Cup play-off defeat to France.


    Estonia did not help their cause with two center backs sent off on a dismal night for a host country playing the biggest match in their history.


    Cruising Croats



    Euro 2012 play-offs

    Friday 11 November
    (first leg)

     Bosnia 0-0 Portugal
     C Republic 2-0 Montenegro
     Estonia 0-4 Rep of Ireland
     Turkey 0-3 Croatia


    That was Croatia's fastest ever goal in Euro qualifying.

    Turkey began to make their presence felt in midfield but just after the half hour mark Croatia doubled their lead on an electric counter-attack down the right.






    SOURCE: Agencies


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