Under-19 qualifiers/Republic of Ireland 2; Russia 1: Substitute Jonathan Hayes scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to put the Republic of Ireland through to next spring's second phase of qualifiers.
A much improved display by Ireland looked like failing to bring the necessary win in the Tsirion Stadium in Limassol.
Ireland failed to created a shot on goal in a first half notable for Russia hitting the woodwork twice and forcing Irish goalkeeper Darren Randolph into a couple of untroubled saved.
Ireland scored from their first attack within three minutes of the resumption. Michael Collins put a ball through for the run of Stephen O'Donnell who was upended by goalkeeper Stanislav Kozyrev. Captain Patrick Cregg scored from the penalty.
Russia hit back within 11 minutes. Randolph first had to get down well to push away a low drive from Kuznetzov. Ivan Shpakov then weaved his way towards the end line only to be tripped by Keith Keane to give the Russians a penalty. Ivan Taranov casually converted.
Ireland rode their luck when Taranov shaved the crossbar on 87 minutes. Hayes, introduced a minute into added time, made an impact seconds later. Cregg floated a ball in from the left and Hayes looped a header over Kozyrev and into the net.
"It was a fantastic way to win it. We played really well and worked so hard," said Irish manager Seán McCaffrey.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Randolph (Charlton Athletic); Keane (Luton Town), O'Dea (Celtic), McShane (Manchester Utd), Painter (Birmingham City); Collins (Huddersfield Town) (Foley (Aston Villa), 69 mins), O'Brien (Bolton Wanderers), Cregg (Arsenal), Kelly (Liverpool); O'Donnell (Arsenal) (Hayes (Reading), 91 mins), Keogh (Scunthorpe Utd).
RUSSIA: Kozyrev; Shishkin, Shepedt, Taranov, Nababkin; Byrlov, Rebko, Gridnev, Kuznetzov; Shpakov, Boev. Subs: Chirkin for Rebko (half-time), Pravossoud for Boev (65 mins), Starkov for Chirkin (77 mins).
Referee: U Mallenco (Spain)
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