LA Galaxy captain Robbie Keane started and went a full 90 minutes as the Republic of Ireland earned a late 1-1 draw with Poland in their Euro 2016 qualifier in Dublin on Sunday.
After a tentative start from the Irish, the Poles pulled ahead after 26 minutes when Slawomir Peszko put the Polish squad ahead of their Group D rivals. Keane’s play was vital for the Irish as they looked for their equalizer, with the Galaxy forward coming close on several occasions to notching his 66th international goal. The closest such attempt came in the 72nd minute when Keane nodded a James McClean cross into the upright. Ireland finally got their goal in stoppage time from second half substitute Shane Long who scored from close range to give the hosts a point.
The Republic of Ireland now find themselves in fourth place with eight points in Group D play after five games. Poland remains the group leader with 11 points while Germany and Scotland remain tied for second with 10 points apiece. The Irish squad will convene again in June for a friendly against England in Dublin before hosting Scotland in a Euro 2016 qualifying match.
