Long saves point for Ireland against Poland
Shane Long equalised in stoppage time to cancel out Sławomir Peszko's predatory effort for the Group D leaders.
Shane Long levels in added time for Republic of Ireland against Group D pacesetters• Sławomir Peszko scores first for Poland, whose lead is down to one point
• Ireland stay within three points of Poland but are two behind Germany and Scotland
• Next qualifiers: Poland v Georgia, Republic of Ireland v Scotland (13 June)
• Ireland stay within three points of Poland but are two behind Germany and Scotland
• Next qualifiers: Poland v Georgia, Republic of Ireland v Scotland (13 June)
Substitute Shane Long scored a 91st-minute equaliser to give the Republic of Ireland a potentially crucial point against UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying Group D leaders Poland.
Desperate to make the most of home advantage – especially after losing their last qualifier away to Scotland in November – Martin O'Neill's team set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation that looked to be attack-minded. A bright start from the hosts saw Wesley Hoolahan drill a low effort narrowly wide, but Poland hit back when Grzegorz Krychowiak headed wide. Poland then took the lead with their first shot on target, Peszko reacting quickly to hesitation by Marc Wilson to steal possession and fire past goalkeeper Shay Given.
Ireland struggled to find any rhythm in their passing in spite of clever movement from midfielder Hoolahan, as he roamed just behind forward Robbie Keane. Poland went closest to getting the next goal with Maciej Rybus causing problems twice. The midfielder first curled a free-kick wide and then nodded off target.
A cross-cum-shot from Republic winger Aiden McGeady made hearts flutter on 44 minutes and Robbie Brady's ball on 52 minutes triggered the same response when it was deflected off goalkeeper Łukasz Fabiański's post. Ireland kept trying – Brady's set piece, Wilson's header on target, and a Keane header superbly stopped by Fabiański all threatening. Finally, in stoppage time, Long converted a Brady corner that had been knocked down by Hoolahan.
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