Robbie Keane played the first 45 minutes as the Republic of Ireland's hopes for qualification to Euro 2016 took a major step forward with a 1-0 victory over Georgia in Dublin on Monday.
Starting up top for the Irish, Keane had numerous chances to give his home nation the lead early on but could not connect in the opening 45. At halftime, Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill pulled the LA Galaxy captain for forward Shane Long. Ireland kept up the pressure on Georgia in the second half and broke through in the 69th minute with a finish by Jon Walters.
With the victory, the Republic of Ireland moves into third place in Euro 2016 qualifying Group D with 15 points which is two shy of second place Poland and four behind first place Germany. Ireland's hopes at qualification will likely hedge on the next set of matches which will see them host Germany on Oct. 8 and then travel to Poland on Oct. 11.
