Rep of Ireland 1 Russia 1
The Republic of Ireland's quest to secure automatic qualification into next summer's European Championship finals is no longer in their own hands.
Having hauled themselves back into contention in the qualifying campaign with three wins and a draw under Brian Kerr, this Lansdowne Road stalemate means both Switzerland and Russia can finish ahead of them in Group 10.
Russia face leaders Switzerland in Moscow on Wednesday, with Ireland ending their campaign against the Swiss next month, almost certainly needing a win in Basel if they are to be in the shake-up for places in Portugal.
To make matters worse, skipper Kenny Cunningham marred his 50th cap by collecting his second booking of the campaign, ruling him out of the crucial game in Switzerland.
Kerr's men lacked their usual fluency against a dogged team and missed star striker Robbie Keane, who was absent with an ankle injury.
Damien Duff gave them the lead with an inspirational goal after 35 minutes but Sergey Ignashevich swept home the equaliser for Russia four minutes before the break.
Despite Ireland having most of the early possession it was the visitors who had the first decent chance after seven minutes.
Dmitry Alenichev's cross from the left was missed by the home defence and fell invitingly for Rolan Gusev at the back but his shot flashed across the face of goal and flew wide of the post.
Ireland put together their first good move after 16 minutes when a delightful backheel flick from man-of-the-match Kevin Kilbane released Duff on the left edge of the box, although his attempted cross was blocked for a corner.
Stephen Carr floated the ball into the danger area and the Russians cleared, but that had sparked Kerr's men into action.
Kilbane did well down the left again two minutes later as he lost Vadim Evseev, but his cross was too high for Duff and the goalkeeper made a safe catch.
Then a burst down the opposite flank saw Carsley cross to the far post and Healy was just asked to stretch too far as he poked the ball wide.
Ireland were given a reminder of Russia's threat on the break after 19 minutes when some neat passing allowed Alexei Smertin to shoot from the edge of the box, but he dragged his effort wide.
Then a free-kick into the box two minutes later saw Bulykin beat Kilbane to the header, but his attempt on goal lacked direction and went over.
John O'Shea departed with an ankle injury after 26 minutes and was replaced by Ian Harte.
It needed a moment of inspirational magic to give Ireland the goal they needed and it arrived after 34 minutes courtesy of Duff.
Chelsea's £17 million signing picked up the ball midway inside the Russian half, jinked his way past a couple of challenges and let fly from 25 yards. The ball took a wicked deflection off Onopko which wrong-footed the goalkeeper and it bounced into the bottom left corner to send the packed Lansdowne Road crowd wild with delight.
Given had to be alert after 41 minutes to tip over a 20-yard shot from Kerzhakov, but disaster struck from the resulting corner.
Given was crowded out as he tried to punch clear Alexander Mostovoi's cross, and when the ball dropped for Sergey Ignashevich he swept home the equaliser from six yards.
Kerr gambled on giving his team an extra attacking impetus when he replaced Lee Carsley with Stephen Reid on the right flank at half time, but there was disharmony in the ranks as a few of the Irish players were arguing with each other and pointing accusing fingers soon after the restart.
Duff won his team a free-kick wide on the right after 52 minutes. Harte delivered a good cross but Kilbane's header was wide of the far post.
It was Clinton Morrison's turn to win a free-kick in a good position after 55 minutes, this time on the left edge of the box. Sadly the result was a farce as Harte tapped the ball to Colin Healy and he obstructed Reid as he tried to shoot.
Russia's spoiling tactics presented further free-kicks but each time the chance was spurned. The visitors were happy to sit on their point and for the first time in Kerr's reign Ireland had no answer.
PA