Aiden McGeady challenges Jan Durica for the ball

Stephen Ireland scored with a left-foot shot over goalkeeper Stefan Senecky in the seventh minute after Robbie Keane had dummied Kevin Kilbane's cross.

Slovakia equalised on 36 minutes when a corner was flicked on and Maros Klimpl headed in at the back post.

Kevin Doyle turned and fired home a left-foot 20-yard shot into the top corner of the net in the 57th minute.

Ireland's opener got the Republic off to the best possible start but soon after Doyle headed wide when well placed.

Marek Sapara provided the corner for Kilimpl's equaliser as Slovakia came into the game more before half-time.

606: DEBATE Have the Republic blown their qualification chances?

Five minutes after the interval, Shay Given saved from Marek Hamsik and a minute later Senecky denied Ireland's left-foot shot.

Marek Mintal had a glorious chance on 54 minutes but headed wide with the goal gaping.

Doyle's fantastic strike looked to have earned Steve Staunton's side full points but Given had to be at his best to deny Vratislav Gresko at the other end.

Doyle had another chance to wrap the game up but Senecky did well to get down and deny the Reading striker as he was bearing in on goal.

With a minute of added time on the clock, Cech levelled with a left-foot drive.

The Republic now play the Czech Republic on Wednesday needing a win to keep their qualification hopes alive.