Republic of Ireland 2 Croatia 2

Ireland threw away a two goal lead in Dublin with Davor Suker converting a 93rd minute penalty for Croatia.

The late penalty was awarded for handball after confusion at a corner kick and Suker calmly placed his shot.

The home team had taken the lead with a wonderful effort from Blackburn star Damien Duff.

He hit his first international goal with a swerving drive which rose into the top corner in the 21st minute.

But the game changed at half time as the play was swamped in substitutions. Ireland finally made nine with eight coming from Croatia.

Ireland extended their lead when Jason McAteer crossed for Kevin Kilbane to shoot low in an efferot which was charged down into the path of susbstitute Clinton Morrison to pass the ball in.

The game seemed won with that goal in the 77th minute but Davor Vugrinic dragged his team back into this friendly by rising to power in a far post header with ten minutes to go to set up Suker's final flurry.