Euro 2016: Rep Of Ireland 1-1 Poland – Late Late Long Strike Saves Irish At Aviva (Photos & Highlights)

Alan Duffy

30th, March 2015

By Alan Duffy

Republic Of Ireland 1-1 Poland – Euro 2016 Qualifiers – 30th March 2015

A last-gasp Shane Long equaliser secured a point for Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday night, a result which keeps the Boys In Green in the hunt for a place in the finals next year.

In a cracking atmosphere in Dublin, helped by the huge Polish contingent, it was the visitors who started brightly with Sevilla midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak going close. The goal eventually came for Poland on 26 minutes, with Slawomir Peszko firing home after a mistake from left-back Robbie Brady.  However, despite their poor start, the Irish managed to make it to half-time without conceding again.

After the break, Martin O’Neill’s side were much improved and created a number of chances. A deflected Brady centre came back off the woodwork while Marc Wilson, Robbie Keane (hitting the woodwork) and Seamus Coleman all going close. However, the hosts eventually got their precious equaliser, when sub Long fired home in injury time from close-range after a corner.

That goal sees the Irish take fourth spot in Group D, albeit only three points behind leaders Poland.

Photos…

Highlights…

Photos: Getty Images

Highlights: Footytube