IRELAND’S WORLD CUP qualification hopes were handed a major boost today, as Slovenia and Scotland drew 2-2 to end Gordon Strachan’s side’s hopes of qualification.
The result means that Ireland are assured a play-off spot at least if they beat Wales in Cardiff tomorrow.
Scotland took the lead in the first half through Leigh Griffiths’ clinical finish in the first half.
However, a much-improved Slovenia dominated the second period, and went ahead thanks to a brace from substitute Roman Bezjak.
Robert Snodgrass’ goal on 87 minutes gave the visitors hope, but it was too little too late, despite a red card for Slovenia’s Bostjan Cesar in stoppage-time.
The result is good news for Northern Ireland too, with Michael O’Neill’s side now guaranteed a place in the play-offs.
Strachan’s men finished level on points with second-placed Slovakia, who won 3-0 against Malta to go above the Scots on goal difference.
Scotland are still waiting for a first major finals appearance since the 1998 World Cup in France.
Strachan refused to be drawn on talk that he should resign after Scotland’s failure.
“At this moment, I am the last person thinking about that,” he said.
“I have got to look after the players. We are hurting, no one is hurting like the players.
“There shouldn’t be any talk about what I’m thinking at this moment in time because I am just looking after them.
“I have never been in a dressing room as silent as that.”
Slovenia, who were also eliminated by the draw, had not conceded a goal at home in the entire campaign, but Celtic forward Griffiths ended that run in the 32nd minute.
James McArthur headed the ball in the Slovenia penalty area after Darren Fletcher’s cross was half-cleared and Griffiths drilled home from a tight angle.
Scotland couldn’t capitalise on that crucial breakthrough however and Craig Gordon had to make a good save after half-time to keep out Rajko Rotman’s drive.
Slovenia’s pressure was rewarded in the 52nd minute when Bezjak headed home after poor defending left him unmarked at a free-kick.
Scotland were losing control and the hosts went ahead in the 72nd minute.
Josip Ilicic’s corner was laid back to the unmarked Bezjak, who rolled the ball into the net from 12 yards.
Fletcher had a glorious chance to level, but the Stoke City midfielder sliced his volley just over.
Snodgrass came on as Scotland went for broke with 10 minutes left and the midfielder snatched an equaliser in the 87th minute.
Fletcher lofted a pass beyond the Slovenia defence and Snodgrass beat Jan Oblak to it before hooking home.
Scotland poured forward in search of a priceless winner, but Oblak scrambled the ball away as Matt Phillips’ deflected pass threatened to trickle over the line.
Cesar was shown a straight red card after feuding with Scotland’s Christophe Berra just seconds after the pair were both booked.
But it was too late for Scotland to snatch a winner as Snodgrass’s weak header wasted their last chance.
Additional reporting by AFP
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Pity to see him go. He was one of the best defenders to play the game
Ever !
That hook in the replay was pivotal.
And from a Tipp point of view – should a player of Callanan’s calibre and experience have allowed himself to be hooked? Remember how a young and inexperienced Shane O’Donnell batted the ball to the net in a similar situation in last years All Ireland.
Anyway JJ was quite simply a class defender – no arguments there!!
The sport has lost a lot of legends this summer. FairPlay JJ, an exceptional career from an exceptional player.
He’ll be the biggest loss of all the retirees. With the greatest of respect he was still first choice (and playing well) this summer while the other four were squad members and getting a few minutes off the bench here and there. Class player in fairness, he’ll leave a huge void on that defence. Phenomenal in the air and a fantastic reader of the game. Best wishes to him.
Jesus I was certain he would stay on and try get 10
One of the finest hurlers to ever grace the field
And toughest !
With all the 9 time winners retiring, Shefflin’s record may stand the test of time!
Some player. The most consistent hurler I’ve ever seen
Ah no. Please one more year. If he had been around in 1912 he would have blocked the hole in the titanic
One of the most complete defenders in the game, awesome talent, first on every team sheet. Thanks JJ for the fantastic memories. Gutted to see you go but every player must walk out to the sunset. Your Hook this year in the All Ireland is a fantastic final memory of a glittering career. You owe hurling nothing everything left on the pitch. Slan
Ah shite!
What a player, pity he didn’t go for his 10th all Ireland. Been a pleasure to watch over the years for both club and county.
Just a legend. Simple as that.
Have to say one of de greatest backs ever to Grace a hurling pitch, and that comes from a wexford man happy retirement jj
Best defender I ever saw and that’s from a Corkonian. Wing back was his best position. 2004 final, he was on one wing and Sean Og on the other. Both had blinders. Glad I was there to see it. No other player I ever saw can go from wing back to full back and be as good. I stayed quite on the other retirements but had to comment on this guy.
An awesome player Brian Cody called him the best defender he’s even seen !!! I think that says it all !!
Irreplaceable. Simple as that. As are tommy Walsh and Henry. Kilkenny will be strong next year but no one can fill these boots. And I’m a Tipp man.
Pity to see JJ retiring sad day!just hope jackie doesn’t follow suit now! Two rocks in the full back line for years!
Noel Hickey was replaced by JJ, Henery Shefflin filled the gap left by DJ… Don’t get too excited that KK will be a spent force… JJ was the best defender I ever seen play, plus a true gent
Great hurler great team, hopefully with alot of the old gaurd retiring they will be considerably weakened from a hopeful cork langer!!!
I say good. Great player but now that so many Kilkenny players are retiring maybe they will stop dominating every year and it will get more interesting.
Cian – sorry to tell you but, there are many more coming up this year – you may be (un)pleasantly surprised …
Haha. I know Dara. Unfortunately Kilkenny do have many more amazing players in their squad and coming through but I’d just love to see Limerick win one :)
Great hurler. Huge loss. Hard act to follow at fullback for Kilkenny.
Defending is an art form in itself. I doubt there has ever been a player who showcased it better. He was always on his mans shoulder, he had an intrinsic sense of where to hook or block, he knew how to shepard his man away from goal, he fouled inconspicuously, he fielded ball he had no right to, he was equally tough, brave and competitive. Not to mention his ability with the ball in hand. His hook on Callinan in the replay was a fitting final reminder to us all of his greatness.
There retiring before Cody gives them the cold shoulder!!!! As he would eventually !!
I suppose this means we can write them off now!
Haha, been written off before, but it’s a massive gap in defence to plug now.
Who was better, JJ or Tommy Walsh?
JJ.
JJ, only because he always keeps a cool head. Kilkenny wouldn’t have been so dominant without him in defence.