Serbia 0 - 0 Republic of Ireland: Trapattoni’s Ireland earn credible draw

Giovanni Trapattoni’s Republic of Ireland conjured an admirable performance against Serbia to consign to the past their harrowing Euro 2012 campaign.

The match at the Red Star Stadium in Belgrade may only have been a friendly, but it was crucial Trapattoni’s side emerged with creditability after a summer to forget, and they did exactly that. Chances were sparse in a game that lacked sparkle, but Kieren Westwood proved himself as Shay Given’s replacement for the long term with a stunning save from Zdravko Kuzmanovicto’s 20-yard free-kick to guarantee a deserved draw.

The Republic’s best chance came in the 56th minute after James McClean surged forward and delivered a low ball into the area that was flicked only a yard wide by Jon Walters.