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Robbie Keane celebrates with goalscorer Stephen Hunt
Republic of Ireland booked their place at Euro 2012 with a routine 1-1 draw against Estonia in Dublin.
Having done all the hard work during their impressive 4-0 win in Tallinn on Friday, a single goal from Stephen Ward was sufficient to seal a 5-1 aggregate victory.
Ireland captain Robbie Keane had ignored calls to return to LA Galaxy, but he was unable to get his side off to the ideal start in the Aviva Stadium, skewing inexplicably wide after Estonia keeper Pavel Londak spilled Damien Duff's effort.
But Ward got Ireland off the mark shortly after the half-hour mark, netting the rebound after Londak saved Kevin Doyle's header to spark wild celebrations in Dublin.
Konstantin Vassiljev momentarily silenced the home fans with a long range effort that slipped through the hands of Shay Given, but there was little hope of a comeback as Giovanni Trapattoni's men stood firm to book their place at their first major tournament since 2002.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Helder Postiga both scored twice as Portugal reached the finals with a 6-2 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina at Lisbon's Stadium Of Light.
They will be joined in Poland and Ukraine next summer by Croatia, who were held at home to a 0-0 draw by Turkey, but progressed thanks to their 3-0 win in Istanbul on Friday.
Czech Republic's ensured their place after a narrow win proved to be enough against Montenegro in the second leg of their qualifying play-off. Petr Jiracek scored the only goal of the game in the 81st minute to give them a 3-0 win on aggregate.
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@ will lewis
Regarding your comment I have just one reply:
England Cricket Team.
Euros 2012 ---- COME ON ENGLAND
AND IRELAND
Congratulations to the Replublic of Ireland, Success made possible by stealing Northern Ireland's young talent - players who play school and youth football, including under 21 games.
Glaswegian wingers and attracting the mercenarys who are unable to get a game for England, but qualify through having a great uncles cousin's mother from cork..... What part of Drogheda did Tony Cascarino come from?
Wright's comments doesn't even merit a reply - obviously a brain dead idiot who clearly can't spell and likes to stir things up to see if he can get a reaction. I'm Irish and married to an Englishman and you clearly don't speak for the majority of English people - who are, in my opinion, one of the friendliest nations. Your comments only stir up racial hatred and do nothing for the country's image. Time to grow up and keep your stupid opinions to yourself.
@David Wright;
Glad see that only a few morons like you still exist. Probably a BNP asrehole.
After living in England for many years I can categorically state that you do not speak for the vast majority of English people. You and the statement you have made is a complete embarrassment to your country.
I hope Engalnd and Ireland can play a friendly before the tournament. I would be very sure that it would be played in a very friendly manner.
Justice prevails 130.
I think you will find it is the Republic of Ireland through not NI.
Knowledge and common sense obviously do not prevail.
Why the unnecessary comments about Wales and Scotland?