Georgia vs Republic of Ireland. FIFA World Cup European Qualifying Group D.
Boris Paichadze StadiumAttendance19,669.
Georgia 1-1 Republic of Ireland: Shane Duffy scores in Group D draw
Sunday 3 September 2017 13:15, UK
Republic of Ireland held out for a 1-1 draw in Georgia on Saturday to stay unbeaten in World Cup Qualifying Group D.
Shane Duffy headed Ireland into the lead in the fourth minute but Georgia responded well and levelled through Valeri Kazaishvili before half-time.
Even though Georgia dominated possession, James McClean and Aiden McGeady spurned late chances to snatch victory for the visitors, who slip to second in Group D, two points behind leaders Serbia ahead of their meeting in Dublin on Tuesday.
Wales could also make up ground on Ireland when they host Austria later on Saturday evening, live on Sky Sports Football.
Ireland made the perfect start in Tbilisi as Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Makaridze failed to claim a free-kick and Duffy rose highest to head into the empty net.
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But Georgia responded well to the setback and dominated possession for the rest of the first half.
McClean spurned a rare chance for Ireland when he headed wide from Jon Walters' cross, before Georgia's pressure paid off when Kazaishvili slipped a shot under Darren Randolph after a well-worked move.
Duffy headed at Makaridze from a corner late in the half, but Ireland went into the break having had just 24% of the possession.
Although Georgia continued to control the game in the second half, it was the visitors who had the better chances.
Shane Long headed over from 10 yards out before McClean and McGeady spurned late openings.
McClean saw an effort saved by the goalkeeper after breaking the box while substitute McGeady slashed a shot over the bar from a good position.
Man of the match - Jano Ananidze
The Spartak Moscow player dictated play, especially in the first half, and set up Georgia's equaliser with a well-weighted pass through for Kazaishvili.
Ireland's midfielders struggled to get close to Ananidze, who was able to find plenty of spaces and control possession.
What's next?
Republic of Ireland face a key game against Serbia in Dublin on Tuesday. They finish their campaign with a home match against Moldova and then trip to Wales.
