Republic's Euro hopes hit snag
Keane had two good chances but failed to capitalise
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Sunday, 14, Oct 2007 10:48
Republic of Ireland's hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008 took a significant setback following their 0-0 draw with Germany at Croke Park.
However the draw was enough for Germany to book their place in the tournament to be held in Switzerland and Austria next summer.
Steve Staunton's men are now five points adrift from Czech Republic who are in second place on 20 points and have played one game less than Ireland.
It was a story of missed opportunities for both sides as neither team showed sufficient composure in front of goal to claim a winning strike.
Mario Gomez had the first chance for Germany after 16 minutes but blazed his shot over the bar following Marcell Jansen's cross.
Robbie Keane then failed to find a way past Jens Lehmann after being put through by a well weighted pass by Andy Reid.
Steve Finnan kept the scoreline goalless with a clearance off the line just before the break. Christoph Metzelder flicked a header on at the front post but the Liverpool defender was on hand at the back post to head clear.
Lee Carsley came close to breaking the deadlock at the start of the second period but saw his goal-bound effort tipped over the bar by Lehmann.
Keane then missed the best chance of the match. Stephen Kelly launched the ball over the German defence and Keane broke clear, but Ireland's record goal-scorer under hit his attempted lob and the ball was easily fielded by the Arsenal keeper.
Clemens Fritz and Lukas Podolski went close for the Germans late on but could not find the target.