Soccer-Slovakia steal late 2-2 draw with Ireland

...qualifier on Saturday.

Ireland's Kevin Doyle and Stephen Ireland capitalised on defensive blunders to twice put the visiting team ahead but the Slovaks, who lost 1-0 in the March encounter in Dublin, managed to come back.

The Irish had a bright start, shocking the Slovaks seven minutes into the game when the unmarked Ireland scored from a left-wing cross from Kevin Kilbane.

The hosts struck back in the 37th minute when Maros Klimpl beat Ireland keeper Shay Given with a close-range header after a headed cross from defender Jan Durica.

Midfielder Ireland was close to adding the second goal shortly after the interval but Slovak keeper Stefan Senecky palmed out his powerful shot.

Stand-in Slovak captain Marek Mintal threatened only minutes later, heading a right-wing cross just wide of Given's net from short range.

The visiting team pulled away again when a long shot by Doyle hit the upper left corner of Senecky's net, giving him no chance.

Defender Cech salvaged a point for Slovakia one minute into stoppage time, rifling in a ball deflected by Irish defender Richard Dunne.

Slovakia are fourth in the Group D standings with 10 points, four points behind third-placed Ireland. Germany top the group with 22 points, five clear of the Czech Republic.

(Additional reporting by Martin Santa)