Football
Reuters 18y

Soccer-Ireland keep hopes alive with 1-0 win in Cyprus

NICOSIA, Oct 8 - An early goal by Stephen Elliot
gave the Republic of Ireland a 1-0 away win over Cyprus in their
World Cup Group Four qualifier on Saturday.

The result maintains Ireland's hopes of a second-placed
finish in the group and a place in the play-offs, but their fate
depends on other matches in the tightest group in the entire
qualifying tournament.

Elliot scored his first goal for his country after six
minutes after good creative work by Robbie Keane but Ireland
were put under pressure by a lively home side who should have
equalised after 14 minutes.

Ireland conceded a penalty after a clumsy challenge by
Richard Dunne, but Shay Given made an outstanding save from
Yiannakis Okkas's spot-kick.

The Irish team was under heavy pressure for most of the
game, with the home side throwing its weight into attack, giving
one of its best performances in recent years.

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