Republic of Ireland 2 Russia 0

The Irish Republic scored twice in the first twenty minutes to win this friendly in front of 42,000 fans in Dublin.

In only the third minute an Ian Harte free kick was not cleared properly by the Russian defence and the ball fell to Steven Reed who smacked a low drive back at goal and into the net via goalkeeper Ruslan Nigmatullin's dive.

In the 20th minute Robbie Keane sent a looping header over Nigmatullin after Steve Finnan had crossed from the left to emphasise the domination of the powerful Irish side.

Oleg Bestchastnykh sent a header against the top of the cross bar in Russia's best chance before the break but Ireland were in almost total conrol against an experienced Russian team fielding 8 players with more than 40 caps.

The Irish were still dominant in the second half and hit the post twice against a subdued Russian team on a poor pitch.

Ian Harte hit the inside of the post with a darting free kick and substitute Clinton Morrison hit the frame of the goal with a sharp shot on the turn.