Ireland rescues Ireland against San Marino

The Manchester City player Stephen Ireland spared the blushes of the Republic of Ireland tonight with a last minute goal that secured a 2-1 win against San Marino.

In a match of numerous chances made and squandered by Ireland, with far less than average ability in front of goal, this was maybe Irelands worst performance yet. Stephen Ireland may have given Irish boss Steve Staunton a stay of execution, but the managers head chopping block, will not be stowed away too far out of FAI reach just yet.

San Marino, who had lost all 37 previous European Championship qualifying matches, looked like clinching their first European Championships point in their history when Manuel Malina cancelled out Kevin Kilbane's opener just four minutes to go. But with just eight seconds from the end of the four minutes of stoppage time, Manchester City midfielder Ireland tapped home a simple chance from inside the six-yard box.

The Irish soccer fans made their feelings well known, as they chanted at the end of the match, calling for the head of Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney.

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Ireland rescues Ireland against San Marino