By Glenn Mason
The Republic of Ireland secured a Euro 2012 play-off spot after a dramatic 2-1 win over Armenia, but it came at a price as Kevin Doyle was sent-off in the second half.
Watch the draw for the Euro 2012 play-offs on Thursday at 11.55am on RTÉ.ie/sport
Doyle's first booking for a needless tackle had already ruled him out of the first leg of the play-offs.
With injured skipper Robbie Keane struggling to make next month's double header, Ireland's striking options are limited for their biggest game in two years.
However, Giovanni Trapattoni will take some comfort from a fine performance by Keane's replacement Simon Cox.
This victory owed much to good fortune as referee Eduardo Iturralde Gonzalez harshly sent-off Armenia 'keeper Roman Berezovsky for handling outside his area.
Valeri Aleksanyan's hilarious own goal then put Ireland in front before the break. Richard Dunne added a second after poor goalkeeping from substitute Arsen Petrosyan.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan's strike ended Ireland's run of eight clean sheets and made for a nervous last 28 minutes.
Had Berezovsky stayed on the field it could have been a much more tense night for Trapattoni, his players and the home fans.
Russia's victory comfortable victory over Andorra was expected and secured the automatic qualification spot for them.
Vardan Minasyan's young team were not overawed by the occasion and attacked in the same manner that has enhanced their reputation in recent months.
Gevorg Gharzaryan and Mkhitaryan were centrally involved as the visitors saw more of the ball and controlled the game for long spells.
Mkhitaryan's third minute run and shot was an early indication of Armenia's intent as the visitors settled better and attacked with pace.
Cox's inclusion over Shane Long had prompted much talk and he had the chance to repay his manager's faith after ten minutes.
Doyle flicked on for Cox, who turned well but was crowded out as he tried to shoot. Doyle fired straight at Berezovsky when the ball came his way.
At the other end, Ireland's defence was cut open by Marcos Pizzelli's pass. Shay Given was happy to see Yura Movisyan's heavy touch push the ball wide.
Ireland were given a huge boost just before the half hour mark, as Berezovsky was sent-off for handling Cox's lob outside the box.
The decision looked a poor one and Armenia will also feel aggrieved about Cox's control, as the ball seemed to brush off his arm.
Substitute goalkeeper Petrosyan was called on to make his debut as midfielder Edgar Malakyan trudged off.
However, Armenia were undeterred by the dismissal and continued to press forward. Frustration was growing inside the stadium until Aleksanyan lifted the pressure.
Damien Duff crossed low for Doyle but he failed to connect with a back flick. The hapless Aleksanyan did Doyle's job for him by burying the ball in the bottom corner.
Petrosyan could have followed Berezovsky down the tunnel but he only picked up a yellow card when he slid out of the box with the ball in his grasp.
McGeady switched to the right at the break after a quiet first half and he earned a free-kick that saw Dunne set up Cox. The striker turned well but the shot was blocked.
Keith Andrews was next to go close as his long-range strike whizzed past Petrosyan's right post.
McGeady was instrumental as Ireland doubled their lead through Dunne. The winger danced away from his markers to cross. Petrosyan flapped at the ball and Dunne knocked it into the net.
Armenia were rewarded for their efforts as they caught Ireland napping to get back in the game. Mkhitaryan was given too much space and fired low, although Given will feel he should have done better with the shot.
The game became stretched as Armenia pushed for an equaliser, which left gaps at the back. Duff found McGeady in space but he hesitated and was quickly closed down.
Doyle compounded a disappointing evening by picking up a second yellow card when he caught Karlen Mkrtchyan with his elbow.
Jonathan Walters' impressive late cameo will have done little to harm his chances of starting that play-off first leg, alongside man-of-the-match Cox.
Armenia piled forward in the closing minutes but Ireland held on to secure the win they needed. It wasn't pretty, but it was enough for a manager who favours results over performances.
Ireland will be seeded for Thursday's play-off draw in Krakow, but they will hope they have not used up all their luck tonight.
Republic of Ireland: 1 Given; 4 O'Shea, 2 St Ledger, 5 Dunne, 3 Kelly; 7 McGeady (15 Hunt 68), 6 Whelan (17 Fahey '76), 8 Andrews, 11 Duff; 9 Doyle, 10 Cox (13 Walters '80).
Subs not used: 16 Westwood, 12 Coleman, 14 Long, 18 O'Dea.
Booked: St Ledger, McGeady, Doyle.
Sent-off: Doyle.
Armenia: 1 Berezovsky; 4 Hovsepyan, 15 Mkoyan, 16 Aleksanyan, 20 Hayrapetyan; 9 Malkyan (23 Petrosyan 29'), 6 Mkrtchyan; 10 Ghazaryan (11 Sarkisov '62), 8 Pizzelli (22 Manucharyan '53), 18 Mkhitaryan; 14 Movsisyan.
Subs not used: 21 Badoyan, 17 Artak Edigaryan, 7 Artur Edigaryan, 3 Yuspashyan.
Booked: Petrosyan.
Sent-off: Berezovsky.
Attendance: 45,200
