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Summary

  • Republic of Ireland draw with Qatar in friendly

  • McClean scores with deflected close-range strike

  • Qatar equalise through Muntari's low drive early in second half

  • World Cup hosts Qatar in WC qualifying group on 'friendly' basis

  1. Goals aplenty across Europepublished at 21:48 British Summer Time 30 March 2021

    There were plenty of goals in the European section of World Cup qualifying tonight.

    Let's start with Wales, who beat Czech Republic 1-0 thanks to Dan James' goal.

    Belgium, who put eight past Belarus, with Leandro Trossard, Michy Batshuayi and Christian Benteke amongst the scorers. They top Group E with seven points.

    The Netherlands were at it too, netting seven times against Gibraltar. Gini Wijnaldum and Donny van der Beek were both on the scoresheet, to leave their side second in Group G behind Turkey, who drew 3-3 with Latvia.

    Portugal trailed in Luxembourg with half-time approaching, but Diogo Jota's header before the break and goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Palhinha after it turned the game around.

    You can see all tonight's scores here.

    Belgium celebrateImage source, Getty Images
  2. Postpublished at 21:46 British Summer Time 30 March 2021

    .Image source, Getty Images

    Stephen Kenny remains without a victory after 11 games in charge of the Republic of Ireland (D5 L6), the worst start by a manager with the Boys In Green since Mick Meagan, who failed to win any of his 12 games in charge between 1969 and 1971.

  3. Postpublished at 21:42 British Summer Time 30 March 2021

    Wins for Portugal and Serbia means Group A isn't looking great for Republic of Ireland right now.

    Plenty of work to do.

    .Image source, Fifa
  4. FULL-TIMEpublished at 21:38 British Summer Time 30 March 2021

    Qatar 1-1 Republic of Ireland

    All over and all square.

    It is now 11 games without a win for Stephen Kenny.

  5. GREAT SAVE!published at 90+3 mins

    Qatar 1-1 Republic of Ireland

    Big chance for the Republic of Ireland to win it in the final minute!

    Cyrus Christie swings a great ball to the far post where Josh Cullen comes in unmarked and directs a header at goal but Saad Al Sheeb produces a great save to deny their opponents the winner.

  6. SUBSTITUTIONpublished at 90+1 min

    Qatar 1-1 Republic of Ireland

    Goalscorer Mohammed Muntari is replaced by Yusuf Abdurisag for the final few minutes for Qatar.

  7. Postpublished at 90 mins

    Qatar 1-1 Republic of Ireland

    There's three minutes of time added on.

    Jason Knight has been booked for a foul.

    It's not been a particularly good second half.

  8. CLOSE!published at 87 mins

    Qatar 1-1 Republic of Ireland

    Saad Al Shaab misses his punch from Cyrus Christie's cross and the ball lands at Callum Robinson's feet. Robinson has work to do with players on the line but he snatches at his shot and goes wide.

  9. Relief for Portugalpublished at 21:28 British Summer Time 30 March 2021

    Portugal are home and dry. Joao Palhinha has glanced in a header to make it 3-1 in Luxembourg.

    However, it is now very much in the balance between Turkey and Latvia, with Davis Ikaunieks levelling for the latter. It's 3-3.

  10. SUBSTITUTIONpublished at 84 mins

    Qatar 1-1 Republic of Ireland

    Triple change for the Republic of Ireland as Ryan Manning, Alan Browne and Josh Cullen come on for James McClean, Jeff Hendrick and Jayson Molumby.

  11. CLOSE!published at 83 mins

    Qatar 1-1 Republic of Ireland

    Golden chance for Qatar to snatch it as Mohammed Muntari is picked out on the edge of the area but he sidefoots over.

  12. Latest scorespublished at 21:26 British Summer Time 30 March 2021

    Looks like Belgium are determined to be the night's top scorers. They've stuck another couple on their tally against Belarus, with Christian Benteke getting on the fun and Leandro Trossard netting his second.

    Elsewhere, Wales are one up against Czech Republic, Croatia lead Malta 2-0 and Slovakia are 2-1 up against Russia in Group H. Turkey have a 3-2 lead over Latvia, putting them on course to top Group G, with Netherlands leading Gibraltar 5-0 in the same group.

    It remains Luxembourg 1-2 Portugal in Group A.

  13. SUBSTITUTIONpublished at 82 mins

    Qatar 1-1 Republic of Ireland

    Qatar introduce fresh legs late on as Abdelaziz Hatim is replaced by Abdullah Alhrak.

  14. Postpublished at 81 mins

    Qatar 1-1 Republic of Ireland

    Qatar are putting a bit of pressure on now in these closing stages as Pedro Miguel's shot hits James McClean before Mohammed Muntari is flagged offside as he runs onto a free kick.

  15. Postpublished at 78 mins

    Qatar 1-1 Republic of Ireland

    Abdulaziz Hatem drives through the middle for Qatar. The Republic of Ireland's defence is looking tired but Hatem opts to have a go from distance rather than push on into the box and he drags his effort well wide.

  16. Postpublished at 75 mins

    Qatar 1-1 Republic of Ireland

    A set piece is looking increasingly likely to be the only way that a winner comes out of this one. Both sides are looking leggy now and lacking in ideas going forward.

  17. Postpublished at 72 mins

    Qatar 1-1 Republic of Ireland

    Callum Robinson has been involved in most of the Republic of Ireland's attacks since coming on. He's over a free kick on the right but the delivery is poor as he fails to beat the first man.

  18. Postpublished at 69 mins

    Qatar 1-1 Republic of Ireland

    Boualem Khoukhi flashes a header well over from a rare Qatar corner.

    Just over 20 minutes to go in this one and in truth neither side are looking like scoring another goal.

  19. Postpublished at 66 mins

    Qatar 1-1 Republic of Ireland

    Jason Knight has a shot blocked on the edge of the area as the Republic of Ireland keep up the pressure. Jeff Hendrick picks up the loose ball and finds Callum Robinson but his shot hits a defender and is behind for another corner.