Wales snatch draw
Koumas netted both Wales goals
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Published by Gibson Square, out November 15th, 204 pages, £12. |  |
Saturday, 17, Nov 2007 06:30
A late penalty from Jason Koumas ensured Wales a 2-2 draw in their European Championship qualifying clash against the Republic of Ireland.
Both sides have dropped out of contention for next summer's tournament, but they conspired to produce an absorbing match at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.
Koumas opened as well as closed the scoring as he put the hosts ahead on 23 minutes after meeting Joe Ledley's hanging cross with a soaring header at the far post.
The Irish bounced back quickly however and when Reading's Kevin Doyle played in Robbie Keane eight minutes later, parity was restored.
Without a permanent manager after Steve Staunton's departure, the visitors began to increasingly dominate proceedings and they edged ahead just after the hour.
Doyle's predatory instincts saw him nip in front of goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey to prod home a low cross and put his side into the lead for the first time.
However they could not hang on to take all three points and strengthen their grip on third position in group D.
An untidy challenge on David Cotterill by Paul McShane was punished with the award of a spot-kick and Koumas duly lashed home to make it all square.