Video Highlights: Republic of Ireland 2 Italy 2, Broken Hearts!

It was a dramatic end to a thrilling encounter at Croke Park. The Italians needed a 90th minute equaliser from substitute Alberto Gilardino to seal Italy's World Cup passage to South Africa.

Sean St Ledger's 87th-minute header had almost earned the Irish a famous victory over the Italians.

St Ledger said: 'It's great to score a goal for your country but I'm disappointed we didn't win. We got so close that it felt like a major loss in the dressing room. But we'll take that. We stayed unbeaten in the group and held the world champions. We fancy our chances against anybody in the play-offs.'- Daily Mail