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

Some more desperate defending there as Russia look to find an opening on the edge of the area, Richard Dunne looks like he left it for Given for a second but then hammers it out of play. Better safe than sorry.

Ireland are defending stoutly at the moment but the pressure on their back four is fairly relentless, the longer they can keep the home side out though, the more frustrated Russia will become

The corner is worked short and returned to Semshov on the bye-line, he fires a ball across the six-yard-box but no one can get on the end of it. Ireland in some serious trouble at the moment.

It is Anyukov proving a danger again as Russia break at pace from the back but McGeady gets back to make a fabulous tackle and put it out for a corner.

Arshavin finds some space in the box and tries to slide in Anyukov to his right but badly overhits it and it runs for a goal-kick, Russia looking good though

Russia looking dangerous here as Anyukov is the latest to deliver a ball into the box, O'Dea is well positioned again though and puts it out for a throw-in

Kerzhakov makes a good break down the right but O'Dea fends him off well and makes a clearance at the second time of asking.

The corner is delivered to the back post but it is well defended and cleared away

Straight down the other end and Kerzhakov very nearly gets a shot away in the box but decides to lay it off to Arshavin 25 yards out and he crashed in a low drive that was heading for the bottom corner but Given got down well and turned it round the post for a corner.

Russia finally misplace a pass and Ireland try to take advantage, Doyle eventually gets to the bye-line on the left but his cross is too deep for anyone and it is cleared.

Russia have settled very nicely, not feeling any pressure of playing at home and are dominating the ball. They aren't getting forward with any great intent but you get the impression they are happy just to maintain possession.

Great pressing from the Russians as they give the Irish defence no time at all on the ball, Ward, O'Dea and Given are calm on the ball though and play it out from the back very nicely indeed.

There seem to be plenty of empty seats in the Luzhniki but it isn't affecting the atmosphere, plenty of noise being created by the Russian fans.

Bright start to the game from both teams as Andrews tries to find Keane with a chipped ball into the area, it is cleared and it ends up with Arshavin closing down Ward at left back, the Wolves man does well though and wins a goal kick.

Ireland get the game underway in Moscow

The teams are out on the pitch now, the photos have been taken and the coin is about to be tossed.

The bookies unsurprisingly have the home side as the favourite for the contest with Russia odds on for the win with the majority of bookmakers. The Republic are as long as 5/1 for the win, that will not dent their confidence though.

Have a look at the Group B table here:

It is just the one change for Russia after their victory over Macedonia, Igor Denisov is replaced by the returning Sergei Ignashevich.

Two changes for Ireland as John O'Shea and Sean St Ledger are replaced by Stephen Kelly and Darren O'Dea.

Team News: Rep. of Ireland: Given, Kelly, Ward, O'Dea, Dunne, Whelan, McGeady, Andrews, Doyle, Keane, Duff. Subs: Westwood, Foley, Delaney, Lawrence, Hunt, McCarthy, Cox