Portugal v Spain - Semifinal - Donetsk

Portugal will battle defending champions Spain for a spot in the Euro 2012 decider when they meet in the semi-finals at the Donbass Arena on Wednesday evening.

Both teams enter the last-four clash on the back of three consecutive wins at the tournament, with Sunday's final clearly in sight.

Vicente del Bosque's Spain produced an effective quarter-final victory against France, while their neighbours downed Czech Republic to advance.

The Spanish have met Portugal 34 times - more than any other side - winning 16 times and losing just six.

Patience

Paulo Bento believes patience is key if his Portugal side are going to find a way past the holders and world champions in Donetsk.

"Of course there are going to be moments in the game when we can link up and go forward," he said in Tuesday's pre-game press conference.

"We want possession of the ball but we are playing against a team that has played better than all the other teams.

"It's going to be about patience. We know what we have to do. We have to put pressure on our opponents in the right areas of the pitch.

"Our aim is not to defend all the time. You can't do that against the world and European champions. We are aware that it's going to be difficult but they also know that we can cause them problems.

"It was very easy to get motivated because we're in the semi-finals. There can't be a more beautiful opportunity than the one we have tomorrow."

Real Zaragoza frontman Postiga has been ruled out with a thigh injury, meaning coach Bento will be unable to field the same starting line-up which he has used in the last six competitive matches.

Besiktas forward Hugo Almeida is expected to get the nod in Donetsk, with 20-year-old Nelson Oliveira, who has come on as a substitute three times in the tournament, likely to be on the bench again.

Almeida will be flanked in the Portuguese attack by Cristiano Ronaldo, whose glittering displays against the Netherlands and the Czechs played a decisive part in sending Portugal into the last four.

He has scored three goals in Portugal's last two games and is one goal from setting his country's all-time European Championship scoring record, at seven. He has never found the net against Spain in two previous competitive fixtures.

"We'll intend to throw him off his game, the best example of that is the second round win at the World Cup, where we managed the better result," said Del Bosque of a 1-0 win over Portugal in Johannesburg.

"The idea will be the same."

Del Bosque reported no new injury problems following the quarter-final victory against Les Bleus.

However, he must decide whether to start the game again without a recognised striker and allow Cesc Fabregas to fill the role.

If Del Bosque decides against the quarter-final line-up, Fernando Torres could lead the line, while Pedro could also get a start in the Spain midfield.

Spain has won its last six knockout round games at major tournaments by a combined score of 7-0.

Although the team is not providing eye-catching scorelines, it has shown patience and maturity to break down opponents who nearly always 'park the bus', or take a completely defensive approach.

"I would prefer if they play back in their own half, it's a satisfaction for us to keep possession," Del Bosque said of the Portuguese.

"They have enough players that can provide alternatives to their attack, but I would like it if they played in a defensive way because we have solutions to combat that."

Poland Czech Out of EURO 2012

All it took was one strike from Czech midfielder Petr Jiracek to bring an end to the European Championship dreams of 40 million Poles.

Jiracek scored with a stylish second-half shot to lift the Czech Republic to a 1-0 win over Poland, putting the Czechs through to the quarterfinals and knocking out Euro 2012 co-host Poland.

With the victory, the Czechs finished atop Group A, and will play the runner-up of Group B in the knockout stage in Warsaw next week.

After withstanding a first-half barrage from Poland, the Czechs pushed forward in the second half, looking for an opening. It came on a counterattack in the 72nd minute, when Jiracek collected a pass from Milan Baros in the box, cut right to clear past Poland's Marcin Wasilewski and slotted the ball inside the far post.

"We had a poor start but we gradually improved, started to create chances and finally, we deserved to score," Jiracek said.

Poland, which had to win to advance, immediately brought on two attacking players in the last 30 minutes to push for a goal, but struggled to create any serious threats.

After the final whistle, the Czech players swarmed each other on the pitch. The Poles fell to the ground, covering their faces.

"I think that probably we were too sure about winning this game. The Czechs played excellent football," Poland coach Franciszek Smuda said. "We had some opportunities before halftime, we didn't take advantage of them and we lost the game."

The Czechs pulled off the win despite playing without their captain and playmaker Tomas Rosicky, who was sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury.

Without his creative skills, the Czechs were listless in the first half, struggling to put together any fluid passing and reduced to knocking long balls forward. But as the Poles pushed in the second half in search of a goal, more space began to open up in the midfield.

That space gave the Czechs the opportunity to strike on the counter, and the punishment came with Jiracek's second goal of the tournament. He also opened the scoring in a 2-1 victory over Greece.

Poland responded well, though, and the final chances were all for the home team.

A cross from the right was deflected to the far post, where Marcin Wasilewski met the ball with a header that just cleared the crossbar. Minutes later, Jakub Blaszczykowski's angled effort was cleared off the line by Michal Kadlec as the Czechs sealed their place in the final eight.

"With the time passing, we had to open up more and more, and I think this is the reason we conceded a goal on the counter," Blaszczykowski said.

The loss is a huge disappointment for Poland fans, who were hoping for the country's first European Championship win, which would have put them through to the quarterfinals.

Czech Republic v Poland - Preview - Group A

Poland and the Czech Republic both have injury concerns over influential players ahead of their crunch Group A encounter on Saturday.

Having drawn their opening two games against Greece and Russia 1-1, Euro 2012 co-hosts Poland must win in order to qualify for the quarter-finals.

However, the Poles have several fitness worries, with midfielder Eugen Polanski among the walking wounded due to a bruised knee.

Polanski said: "We know that we can do something special for our fans and the country.

"This is the most important game in my career. This whole tournament is extremely important.

"All the preparation, all the training, four weeks of preparation, we are here for five weeks in total, and we want to demonstrate that we can give everything.

"If we give 100% of ourselves, we will win definitely tomorrow."

Poland boss Franciszek Smuda knows exactly what it will take to progress following successive 1-1 draws with Greece and Russia.

He said: "First of all, we have to play good football. Secondly, we have to fight from the first to the last whistle."

As well as Polanski, Smuda has doubts over defender Damien Perquis and midfielder Dariusz Dudka, adding: "If we had no problems with injuries, I would really like to use the same line-up as we had against Russia, but maybe those injuries will impact our decision and we'll have to make some changes."

Smuda's other major selection dilemma revolves around whether to recall Wojciech Szczesny in goal or keep faith with Przemyslaw Tyton, who saved a penalty after Szczesny was sent off against Greece.

Asked who his goalkeeper would be, Smuda joked: "Definitely not me. Whoever's between the posts.

"We have many question marks. We have some injuries. Tomorrow, we'll take the final decision."

Czech Republic have injury concerns of their own but goalkeeper Petr Cech looked to have recovered from a shoulder problem after coming through training unscathed.

The same could not be said for captain Tomas Rosicky, who sat out the session with the Achilles injury that forced him off during Tuesday's 2-1 win over Greece.

Rosicky said: "It's getting better but we decided that I will not train tonight and we will wait until tomorrow."

The Arsenal midfielder played down fears his absence would have a devastating impact on his team-mates.

"What I'm feeling in the team is great hope, a great chance to go to the quarter-finals," he said.

"Of course, the guys are worried if I play or not. But we hope to go through. We've got a great opportunity here and we are aware of it, and we want to grab this chance and go through."

A draw should be enough for the Czechs to progress unless Greece manage to shock Russia in the other final group game and coach Michal Bilek was not afraid for his side to be cast as the villains.

"We want to go to the quarter-final," he said. "Right now, it's one or the other and we will do our utmost to achieve this goal.

"Of course, we respect our opponent but we are not scared. We don't want to say goodbye to the Euros and we want to go through."

Croatia v Italy - Preview - Group C

Group C remains wide open following the opening round of fixtures, but an opening success has Croatia setting their sights on the quarter-finals.

Slaven Bilic's side made the perfect start to their Euro 2012 campaign on Sunday as they swept past the Republic of Ireland 3-1.

That results means Croatia, who made the knockout stage in 2008, know victory over Italy would see them progress out of a strong group.

They are, however, aware that their next two games pitch them against the World Cup winners from 2006 and 2010 - starting with Italy on Thursday.

"For me Italy is - they're not better than Spain, right - but you can't analyse them, they play with more options," said Croatia coach Slaven Bilic.

"You know how Spain are going to play but Italy are so unpredictable. They can pass the ball. They can play the short balls. They can play through the middle. They can play counter attack, with long ball from (Andrea) Pirlo to the strikers. They can play down the flanks. They are for me one of the biggest favourites in this tournament."

National skipper Darijo Srna, who is setting his sights on the last eight, added: "We will try to keep our feet on the ground, we don't want to raise expectations now, but we are well aware of what is ahead of us. We now have two 'match points' and I hope we can take one."

Italy are determined to ensure that Croatia leave Poznan empty-handed.

The Azzurri's mixed pre-tournament form made it difficult to predict what they would bring to Euro 2012, but their opening display suggests they remain a force to be reckoned with.

They held reigning European and world champions Spain to a 1-1 draw, after taking the lead, and will feel that they are capable of taking maximum points off Croatia and Ireland - despite the Croats currently sitting four places above them in FIFA's world rankings.

Coach Cesare Prandelli is taking nothing for granted though, saying: "It's going to be the decisive match of the group.

"I've been saying for a while that Croatia is the most dangerous squad because it's the most unpredictable one. They change the way they play all the time, sometimes even from one half to another."

Having seen Croatia impress against the Irish, Bilic is expected to stick with the same starting XI.

That means Tottenham playmaker Luka Modric will continue to pull the strings in midfield and Nikica Jelavic and Mario Mandzukic will provide the attacking firepower - with both men having opened their tournament goal accounts against Ireland.

Antonio Cassano is tipped to retain his place in Prandelli's starting XI, but Mario Balotelli may drop to the bench.

The Manchester City striker started against Spain, but was withdrawn in the second half and saw his replacement, Antonio Di Natale, break the deadlock.

Jagielka Gets Barry's Summer Job

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England midfielder Gareth Barry has been ruled out of Euro 2012 after suffering a tear to his lower abdomen, with defender Phil Jagielka called up to replace him.

Manchester City man Barry underwent a scan on Monday which confirmed a muscle had been torn.

The midfielder suffered the injury during Saturday's 1-0 friendly victory over Norway in Oslo.

Everton defender Jagielka had been named on manager Roy Hodgson's stand-by list for Poland and Ukraine and he now joins the squad.

Hodgson told the Football Association's official website: "I'm very disappointed to lose Gareth, not only was he a member of my original 23-man squad but he has featured prominently in the England team over the last few years.

"I know how much he wanted to be part of the tournament but I'm sure he will still have a part to play with England after the Euros. I wish him a speedy recovery."

The England squad of 23 will resume training at their Watford base on Tuesday following the weekend's friendly win.

That number will include Danny Welbeck and Glen Johnson, who had been doubts with ankle and toe injuries respectively.

However, it seems those problems have cleared up, along with Scott Parker's Achilles injury, and the FA are anticipating having to make no further changes when they submit their official squad to UEFA at 11am on Tuesday.

Ruddy Hell as Keeper Ruled Out

Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy has been ruled out of the European Championships after breaking a finger in training on Thursday.

Birmingham's Jack Butland, who was one of four replacements named in England coach Roy Hodgson's original squad, has been called up to replace him. Butland has spent most of the season on loan at Cheltenham.

Ruddy, 25, had been one of two uncapped players included in Hodgson's 23-man squad, alongside Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

"The FA can confirm that Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy broke his finger in training on Thursday and has been ruled out of Uefa Euro 2012," a statement said.

"Ruddy was assessed by the England medical staff and will not be able to be part of the tournament. He will travel with the squad to Norway on Friday and watch the game on Saturday evening, but return to his club after arriving back in England."

The Norwich goalkeeper had initially been given special dispensation to miss England's final warm-up against Belgium at Wembley next weekend to get married.

The news comes as a huge setback to a player who was hoping to stake his place as a regular in the England squad.

“As long as I continue to develop in the same manner I have for the last two seasons, this is a step I want to stay on,” he said earlier this week. “I want to continue to be involved in England squads. It’s up to me to continue to play as I have this season and keep my foot in the door.

“There are the European Championships now and the World Cup qualifying coming up, so it’s an aim of mine to maintain this level. You saw it with Joe Hart, once he got the opportunity, he took it with both hands and I’m hoping to do the same and make sure I can stay at the top level of the game.

“I think Joe Hart is the best goalkeeper in the world at the moment, Robert Green is world-class. I know a lot was made of the last time he played for England but he still has so much to give and he’s still a world-class goalkeeper, so to be able to have the opportunity to work with those, along with Ray Clemence and Dave Watson, is an opportunity I’m relishing."

Olsen Names Danish EURO Squad

Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner and Liverpool defender Daniel Agger are amongst the 20 players named by Denmark coach Morten Olsen for Euro 2012.

Highly-rated Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen is also named, along with Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen.

Dennis Rommedahl has a thigh injury but is included with Olsen certain the Brondy winger "will be ready".

Olsen named the majority of his squad on Wednesday, leaving three spots open before the 29 May deadline.

The most difficult choice left for Olsen is deciding who to pick for third-choice goalkeeper, after Sorensen and Stephan Andersen.

His options include Leicester's Kasper Schmeichel and Anders Lindegaard of Manchester United.

Olsen said Bendtner "is an important piece" in the puzzle, and his role is not just to score goals but "he is very good in combinations."

The 24-year-old spent the 2011-12 season on loan at Sunderland for whom he scored eight goals.

Agger played 34 times for Liverpool, including appearances in the Carling Cup final against Cardiff, which Liverpool won on penalties, and the FA Cup final, which the Reds lost 2-1 to Chelsea.

Denmark have a tough draw for the tournament, where they will face the Netherlands, Germany and Portugal in Group B.

The team will start gathering for a training camp north of Copenhagen on Thursday. They will play friendlies against Brazil and Australia before taking off for their Euro 2012 base in Poland.

Provisional Denmark squad for Euro 2012

Goalkeepers : Thomas Sorensen (Stoke), Stephan Andersen (Evian).

Defenders : Lars Jacobsen (FC Copenhagen), Michael Silberbauer (BSC Young Boys), Simon Busk Poulsen (AZ Alkmaar), Daniel Wass (Evian), Simon Kjaer (AS Roma) , Daniel Agger (Liverpool), Andreas Bjelland (FC Nordsjaelland).

Midfielders : William Kvist (Stuttgart), Christian Poulsen (Evian), Niki Zimling (Brugge), Jakob Poulsen (FC Midtjylland), Lasse Schone (Nijmegen), Christian Eriksen (Ajax).

Forwards : Dennis Rommedahl (Brondby), Tobias Mikkelsen (FC Nordsjaelland), Michael Krohn-Dehli (Brondby), Thomas Kahlenberg (Evian), Nicklas Bendtner (Sunderland).

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Ukraine Denounce EU Boycott Talk

Ukraine has denounced a threatened EU boycott of next month's Euro 2012 football championship as "destructive".

In a statement, the foreign ministry said the move would undermine the image of the tournament and be detrimental to millions of Ukrainians and Poles.

Poland - which is co-hosting the event - has also criticised any boycott.

Several European leaders are considering cancelling their trips to Ukraine, in protest over the treatment of jailed former PM Yulia Tymoshenko.

Ms Tymoshenko, whose trial last year was condemned as politically motivated, is on hunger strike after allegedly being beaten by prison guards.'Loss for millions'

The statement from the Ukrainian foreign ministry said sport events were designed to bring unity, and criticised what it said were attempts to politicise them.

"We view as destructive attempts to politicise sporting events, which since ancient times have played a paramount role in improving understanding and agreement between nations," the statement said.

"A successful championship will be a victory not for politicians, parties or ideologies, but for all Ukrainians and Poles. Its failure will be a loss for millions," it said.

There has been mounting pressure over the case of Ms Tymoshenko.

Austria and Belgium have already said they will not attend the games. The Dutch government said it would boycott it unless there was significant improvement in Ms Tymoshenko's human rights.

European politicians, including European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and European Commissioner Jose Manuel Barroso, have also cancelled their trips.

The UK and Germany say they have not yet made a decision, but both countries have expressed concern over Ms Tymoshenko's situation.

On Thursday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel would not confirm whether she would attend.

"Much more important than my travel plans is that we must now do everything possible to see that Yulia Tymoshenko gets the proper treatment for her medical problems as soon as possible," Mrs Merkel was quoted as saying by the Koelner Stadt-Anzeiger newspaper.

"The German government has been working on this for weeks and our offer stands for her to receive this medical treatment in Germany."

Also on Thursday, Russian Prime Minister and President-elect Vladimir Putin said Russia would be willing to offer Ms Tymoshenko treatment, but said he opposed calls for a boycott.

Meanwhile, five European presidents - from Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy and Slovenia - have said they will not attend a Ukrainian summit of Central and East European leaders next week in Yalta.'On track'

But Ukraine's deputy prime minister has said Euro 2012 is on track and Uefa - European football's governing body - had not complained.

"The tournament is ready and on 11 May we will be transferring the control of the four stadia to Uefa," Borys Kolesnikov told AFP news agency.

Tymoshenko, a former prime minister, was jailed last year for abuse of office, in a trial condemned by the West as politically motivated.

She is an arch-rival of Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovych, who beat her to the presidency in February 2010, avenging his defeat in the 2004 Orange Revolution.

The opening games of the month-long Euro 2012 will be played on 9 June.

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UEFA Plant EURO 2012 Seeds

England have been placed in the second group of seeds for the Euro 2012 finals draw, while the Republic of Ireland are in pot four.

Uefa confirmed the seedings on Wednesday, with the group stage draw for next summer's European Championship set to be made in Kiev on December 2nd.

England went unbeaten through their qualification campaign and will head to Poland and Ukraine among the favourites to take the top prize.

They will not be paired alongside arch-rivals Germany next year, with the Euro 2008 runners-up also placed in pot two, along with 2006 World Cup winners Italy and Russia.

Reigning world and European champions Spain are among the top seeds, alongside 2010 World Cup finalists Holland and co-hosts Poland and Ukraine - who have already been allocated to groups A and D respectively.

Success

The Republic of Ireland booked their piece at the showpiece event on Tuesday night, following success in the play-offs, and they are readying themselves for their first appearance at a major international tournament in 10 years.

Giovanni Trapattoni's side are in the fourth group of seeds along with Denmark, the Czech Republic and rejuvenated France.

That means the Irish cannot face France, the side who controversially denied them a place at the 2010 World Cup, until the knockout stages.

They could, however, take on Croatia, Greece, Portugal or Sweden - with that particular quartet making up pot three.

Seedings for Euro 2012:

Pot 1: Spain, Holland, Poland, Ukraine.

Pot 2: Germany, Italy, England, Russia.

Pot 3: Croatia, Greece, Portugal, Sweden.

Pot 4: Denmark, France, Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland.

EURO 2012 Teams Confirmed

The finals lineup for UEFA EURO 2012 has been confirmed after the play-offs concluded on Tuesday.

Croatia, the Czech Republic, the Republic of Ireland and Portugal all completed aggregate victories to book their tickets for Poland and Ukraine. They join the ten teams that reached next summer's tournament from the qualifying group stage, and the two co-hosts.

The 16 teams that will compete for the Henri Delaunay Cup are:

Poland (co-hosts)

Ukraine (co-hosts)

Spain (holders)

Croatia

Czech Republic

Denmark

England

France

Germany

Greece

Italy

Netherlands

Portugal

Republic of Ireland

Russia

Sweden

UEFA will confirm the seedings for the finals draw on Wednesday.  The draw takes place in Kyiv on 2 December.

Portugal Book EURO 2012 Place

Portugal secured a fifth successive appearance a UEFA European Championship final tournament, keeping their cool to beat ten-man Bosnia and Herzegovina 6-2 in Lisbon following Friday's 0-0 draw in Zenica.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani rocketed shots past Asmir Begović in the first half, and while Zvezdjan Misimović got one back from the penalty spot before the break, the game seemed to be up when Ronaldo's second was followed by Senad Lulić's dismissal. Emir Spahić surprisingly pulled one back on 65 minutes, but there was to be no miracle; Hélder Postiga struck twice either side of a super Miguel Veloso set-piece to make it 6-2.

The game looked to be over inside 24 minutes. First Ronaldo sent a thunderous eighth-minute free-kick over the wall and into the net, and with Bosnia and Herzegovina unable to conjure up anything in response, Nani smashed a second past Begović from open play from a similarly unlikely distance. Safet Sušić's side were offered hope, though, with Misimović finishing coolly from the spot after Fábio Coentrão was penalised for handball.

The Bosnians' world fell apart on 53 minutes, though; Ronaldo chased down a João Moutinho ball, rounded Begović and scored, and Senad Lulić was then shown two yellow cards in quick succession and dismissed. It was a shock, then, when the ten men struck back on 65 minutes, Emir Spahić steering Darko Maletić's ball from the left past Rui Patrício. It was less of a surprise when Portugal went on a late rampage.

First, Rúben Micael provided the ball for Hélder Postiga to sweep another fine strike inside Begović's right-hand post. Then Miguel Veloso performed his own Ronaldo tribute act, curling a free-kick into the net from out on the right. Fábio Coentrao hared down the right to the byline, and cut in an inviting ball for Hélder Postiga to make it 6-2 with eight minutes to go.

They may have reached the finals by a circuitous route, but on this performance, Portugal will be able to cause any team problems in Poland and Ukraine next summer.

Portugal Face Bosnia Herzegovina

Portugal defender Bruno Alves has urged his country's fans to help Paulo Bento's men beat Bosnia and Herzegovina in Lisbon on Tuesday as they try to book a place in the UEFA European Championship for the fifth time in a row.

After the 0-0 draw in Zenica on Friday, the experienced FC Zenit St Petersburg central defender, who turns 30 later this month, hopes that a full Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica will witness Portugal's qualification for UEFA EURO 2012. "I ask everyone to come and help to create a difficult atmosphere for them, just like they did for us," said Alves." We will certainly feel that support."

In his 46 caps, Alves has scored five goals, including the FIFA World Cup play-off first-leg strike at the same stadium against the same opposition two years ago to the day that clinched a 1-0 win, which Portugal then matched in the return. "There are no two identical matches but I would like to score again," Alves said.

"I believed that the Bosnians could lose the ball so I stayed in attack following a corner and scored at the far post. Deco won the ball, passed it to Nani and he delivered a perfect cross. I believe that it will be a difficult match as it was two years ago."

Alves continued: "We are expecting them to play a similar game to the one they did [in the first leg], playing on the counterattack but perhaps with more circulation of the ball. They defend well and make good transitions. We are prepared for every scenario, we don't want to concede and we want to score. That is our main goal: to win. It will be difficult but our team have enough quality to go through."

Talking about his central defender partner Pepe, who returned to the team after injury with a fantastic display in Zenica, Alves said: "Pepe is a world class player. The team was united and had a fantastic attitude." 

Apart from third-choice goalkeeper Beto, who sustained an abductor injury in his right leg in Sunday's training session, the entire Portugal squad is fit.

Play Off Chance Thanks to Armenia

Giovanni Trapattoni still believes the Republic of Ireland can qualify for Euro 2012 following the 0-0 draw away to Russia.

Ireland produced a resolute defensive performance in Moscow, inspired by Richard Dunne, to remain in the hunt for automatic qualification for next summer's finals.

The result leaves Ireland two points behind Russia with two games to play, and Trapattoni's men need Dick Advocaat's side to collect no more than three points to stand a chance of claiming first position.

Russia are away to Slovakia in their next game before closing against Andorra, while Ireland meet the group minnows next before ending the campaign at home to Armenia.

Slovakia's 4-0 defeat by Armenia on Tuesday has ensured the battle for qualification remains wide open and Trapattoni is staying upbeat about his team's prospects.

Trapattoni said: "There are two games to go and Russia have a very difficult game against Slovakia.

"At this moment, I think all things are possible. There is not a sure result.

"We have the possibility in the next two games to win and with six points, I think we can believe in qualification."

Meanwhile, Dunne, who required four stitches in a head wound and was a rock at the heart of the defence, was proud of the result in the Russian capital.

Dunne said: "We probably weren't fancied to get anything here.

"Everyone from front to back did a job. It gives us something to build on and hopefully keeps us in the competition."

Armenian Favour in Slovakia

The Republic of Ireland will be guaranteed a play-off to earn a place at Euro 2012 if they win next month's qualifiers against Andorra and Armenia.

Armenia's shock 4-0 win over Slovakia on Tuesday was a further boost for the Republic after Giovanni Trapattoni's side had earned a 0-0 draw in Moscow.

The Republic face minnows Andorra away on 7 October before facing Armenia in Dublin four days later.

However, Armenia have now also moved into the frame for qualification.

Russia lead the Group on 17 points - two ahead of the Republic with Armenia and Slovakia a further point off the pace.

The next round of games on 7 October sees Armenia hosting Macedonia, Slovakia at home to Russia with the Republic playing in Andorra.

Four days later, the group concludes with the Republic's home game against Armenia, Russia hosting Andorra and Slovakia travelling to Macedonia.

Two remaining Republic wins would be enough to win the group if Russia lose in Slovakia.

Armenia scored all their goals in the second half in Tuesday's win in Zilina.

Yura Movsisyan put Armenia ahead in the 57th minute with Henrik Mkhitaryan (70), Gevorg Ghazaryan (80) and Artur Sarkisov (90) adding the further goals.

Trapattoni Lucky in Luzhniki

The Republic of Ireland kept their Euro 2012 qualification hopes very much alive as they earned an unlikely Group B point against Russia in Moscow.

Russia laid siege to the Irish goal for the entire contest but heroic displays by Richard Dunne and Shay Given frustrated Dick Advocaat's side.

Given superbly denied Andrey Arshavin, Igor Semshov and Konstantin Zyryanov.

Dunne also cleared a Semshov shot off the line as the Republic didn't create a chance in the game.

The draw keeps Russia two points ahead of the Irish and Giovanni Trapattoni's Irish side remain in the hunt with the Russians still having to travel to face other group contenders Slovakia.

Trapattoni made two enforced changes in defence from Friday's disappointing 0-0 draw against Slovakia with Darren O'Dea replacing the suspended Sean St Ledger and Stephen Kelly taking over from the injured John O'Shea.

Advocaat's side had one change from the 1-0 win over Macedonia as Sergei Ignashevich replaced the suspended Igor Denisov.

After a dull opening on the plastic pitch, the match came to life in the eighth minute as Kevin Doyle got in behind the Russian defence only for him to overhit his cross.

Konstantin Zyryanov immediately broke for the Russians and the move concluded with Given making a brilliant fingertip save to turn Arshavin's low shot away for a corner.

Doyle fired a long-range effort straight at keeper Vyacheslav Malafeev in the 13th minute but the Russians were producing all the significant threat as Semshov blasted accross the face of goal a minute later after Arshavin's short corner.

Given came to the Republic's rescue again on 21 minute as he turned away Semshov's shot for a corner after Alexsandr Kerzhakov's cross.

Republic left-back Stephen Ward was being tormented by the Russians with Semshov and Kerzhakov interchanging on the home team's right flank and full-back Alexander Anyukov also a threat.

As had been the case against the Slovaks, the Republic's central midfield duo of Keith Andrews and Glenn Whelan were being over-run by Arshavin and company as the case for withdrawing one of the Irish strikers looked strong.

The Russian pressure was becoming constant with Dunne brilliantly clearing Semshov's point-blank chance off the line in the 31st minute after Yuri Zhirkov had waltzed through the Irish defence.

From the corner, Zyryanov was inches wide with a 25-yard shot with Given beaten.

As the Russians continued to lay siege to the Irish goal, Given had to beat away an angled shot from the impressive Zhirkov with Dunne bravely heading away another whipped cross by the same player.

Miraculously, the Republic held out to half-time which appeared to offer Trapattoni the opportunity to rejig his forces.

But there were no Irish changes and the Russian dominance continued as Arshavin threaded a ball through to Roman Shirokov with Dunne making another heroic tackle.

Semshov spurned another Russian chance in the 56th minute before Trapattoni finally made a change with Simon Cox coming on for Doyle.

Advocaat had already introduced Tottenham's Roman Pavlyuchenko while Stephen Hunt soon came on for the Irish with Damien Duff withdrawn.

As the clock ticked on, the Russian play was becoming less fluent as frustration began to set in at their failure to score despite almost total domination.

Second-half sub Diniyar Bilyaletdinov blazed over and Given then produced an amazing late save with his legs to deny Zyryanov with Andrews blocking Semshov's follow-up.

Russia: Malafeev, Aniukov, Vasili Berezutsky, Ignashevich, Alexei Berezutsky, Zhirkov (Bilyaletdinov 76), Semshov, Shirokov, Zyryanov, Kerzhakov (Pavlyuchenko 54), Arshavin.

Subs not used: Shunin, Pogrebniak, Torbinsky, Glushakov, Shishkin.

Republic of Ireland: Given, Kelly, Dunne, O'Dea, Ward, McGeady, Whelan, Andrews, Duff (Hunt 67), Doyle (Cox 59), Keane.

Subs: Westwood, Foley, Delaney, Lawrence, McCarthy.

Referee: Felix Brych (Germany

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND'S REMAINING GROUP B QUALIFIERS

v Andorra (a) - 7 October

v Armenia (h) - 11 October