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Dunne: My best night in football

by Tony Cuddihy , 15 November 2011

Full match report and reaction as Ireland seal qualification for Euro 2012.


Ireland have sealed qualification for next year's European Championships in Poland and Ukraine, following up their 4-0 win over Estonia in Tallinn with a 1-1 draw at the Aviva Stadium.

Stephen Ward put the Irish ahead in the first half, slotting in a rebound from Kevin Doyle's header, before Konstantin Vassiljev scored an inconsequential leveller for the visitors.

Robbie Keane had two chances inside the opening seven minutes. First, the LA Galaxy striker was thwarted by Estonian goalkeeper Londak, then he missed from close range when Damien Duff's shot from a Stephen Hunt free-kick was diverted into his path.

The opener came half an hour into the game. A corner came over and was headed by Doyle towards goal. Londak spilled it into the path of Ward, who had an easy finish.

A subdued start to the second half saw Ireland playing within themselves, and Estonia scored their only goal of the tie on 58 minutes.

Vassiljev unleashed a shot from distance that Shay Given should have dealt with, but didn't. Ireland almost immediately restored their lead through Keane but his shot was blocked by an Estonian defender. 

Vunk cynically took down Damien Duff and Ireland had a free-kick. However, Dunne's header was straight at the Estonian 'keeper Londak.

The last twenty minutes saw the Irish playing out time, before the crowd's road and the confirmation of a busy summer. 

"We're going to go there and make a bit of history of our own. It's been a long time in coming," Given said after the game.

"We were cheated out of it last time (at the World Cup) but I'm delighted," said former manager Mick McCarthy. "To come back after the France game and do what they did is fantastic."

"It's a night that we'll never forget. This is why we play football, situations like this. Nights like this," added Robbie Keane, with the final word going to Richard Dunne.

"This is the best experience I've ever had in football," concluded the Aston Villa defender.

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