[WC Qual] Ireland move level with Italy

Giovanni Trapattoni's Republic of Ireland needed two late goals to secure a 2-1 win against Georgia that takes them level on points with leaders Italy in FIFA World Cup qualifying Group 8.

Georgia had taken a shock lead after just 58 seconds in Dublin through Alexander Iashvili, but a controversial Robbie Keane penalty after 71 minutes levelled matters and the former Inter striker added a second soon after to seal the three points.

The victory moved Ireland on to ten points in the group, alongside the Azzurri, ahead of a crucial double-header of qualifying matches in March and April.

Marcello Lippi's Italy travel to Montenegro on March 28, while Trapattoni's Irish side host Bulgaria. The two group leaders then meet in Bari on April 1.

Group 8 Results:
Wednesday 11 February
Ireland 2-1 Georgia

Group 8 Standings:
[1] ITA - PLD: 04 - PTS: 10
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[2] IRE - PLD: 04 - PTS: 10
[3] BUL - PLD: 03 - PTS: 03
[4] MON - PLD: 03 - PTS: 02
[5] GEO - PLD: 05 - PTS: 02
[6] CYP - PLD: 03 - PTS: 01

Next Group 8 Fixtures:
Saturday 28 March
Cyprus v Georgia (1800)
Ireland v Bulgaria (1945)
Montenegro v Italy (1945)
Wednesday 1 April
Bulgaria v Cyprus (1600)
Georgia v Montenegro (1800)
Italy v Ireland (1950)


Group 1 Results:
Wednesday 11 February
Malta 0-0 Albania

Group 3 Results:
Wednesday 11 February
San Marino 0-3 Northern Ireland

Source: UEFA