Good afternoon and welcome to our coverage of the Republic of Ireland's crucial game with Russia in Moscow

Thanks for joining us here on Eurosport for what was an engaging contest even without any goals.

There is the final whistle and Ireland have hung on for a 0-0 draw. They rode their luck at times, and will be delighted to have come away with a point.

More desperate defending from Ireland as a Pavlyuchenko knock down bobbles around in the box, it is evetually hacked away though

There will be three more minutes for Ireland to endure

Arshavin delivers the cross, it is headed clear and the referee gives a free-kick for a foul on Shay Given

Russia back on the attack as Arshavin slides in Bilyaletdinov, his cross is blocked though and Russia have a corner

Incredible chance for Russia!! Pavlyuchenko picks out Zyryanov with a pinpoint cross from the left and his header was straight at Given from three yards out, either side and it would have been a certain goal. Semshov got on the rebound but Andrews got across well to make the block.

McGeady gets to the bye-line and puts in a decent looking cross but everyone had darted to the near post and McGeady aimed it at the back post, good chance for Ireland there.

Ireland release the pressure a bit by winning a free-kick just inside the Russian half, the delivery is poor again and Hunt eventually ends up heading it out for a goal kick

McGeady hacks down Semshov on the right, Arshavin swings in the free-kick which Ignashevich gets his head to, it is wide of the near post though

Good work on the edge of the Irish box from the Russians but they just can't find the breakthrough. Bilyaletdinov was again the one with half a yard of space but his shot was closed down well by Dunne.

Russia have been buoyed by that chance and look to have more intent about them again, they have 10 men in the Irish half now.

Really good chance for Russia as Semshov and Zyryanov combine well to slide in the substitute Bilyaletdinov on the left of the box, his shot is terrible though and ends up 10 yards over the crossbar

Hunt sends another cross into the box but again it is poor and Malafeev is out to claim it with ease.

The Russian fans have become pretty impatient now as Russia have failed to turn their domination into a lead. Ireland are right in it now but are a bit scared of committing players forward.

Arshavin's cross is powerfully headed away by Dunne and Ireland come away with it, Hunt eventually gets a cross in but Malafeev claims it easily.

Poor challenge on Arshavin from Hunt as he cut in from the right wing. Free-kick to Russia about 35 yards out towards the right. Booking for Hunt.

The referee has forced Dunne off the field again, Andrews is forced to fill in at centre back while a number five is drawn on Dunne's back, ridiculous.

Off goes Zhirkov to be replaced by Everton's Diniyar Bilyaletdinov

Dunne returns to the pitch but his face and especially his mouth looks a bit of a mess.