The Republic of Ireland is currently on their way towards securing a playoff spot in Euro 2012 qualifying, but they can’t say they truly deserve their lead. A couple of bad mistakes for Armenia is Ireland’s good luck, and the home side has a 1-0 lead at halftime despite the fact that they haven’t exactly played very good football. Armenia has been playing with 10 men since the 25th minute, but was the better side for the majority of the first half regardless.
Ireland Vs. Armenia Live, Euro 2012 Qualifying: Halftime, ROI Leads After Red Card, Own Goal
Goalkeeper Roman Berezovsky was the man who picked up the red card as he challenged Simon Cox for a 50-50 ball outside of the box, punching it with his hand in the process. While the call looks a bit shaky upon watching slow-motion replay, it’s very easy to see how the referee could have believed that Berezovsky intentionally handled the ball outside of the box. If that’s what the referee believed he saw, he had to show red.
Armenia were the better side for the next 15 minutes, but absolutely gifted Ireland a go-ahead goal when Valeri Aleksanyan poked in an own goal off of a cross (or possibly errant shot) by Kevin Doyle. Aleksanyan had plenty of time and space to make a clearance, and his team wouldn't have been in too much trouble had he simply let the ball roll by.
The visitors now have a long way back, and it would take an incredible collapse for Ireland to miss out on a playoff spot.
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