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REPUBLIC THE MAINZ ATTRACTION
Doyle celebrates opening the scoring.
Glenn Whelan's first senior international goal cemented an opening World Cup qualifying victory for the Republic of Ireland as they eased past Georgia 2-1 in Mainz.
Leading 1-0 at the break through Kevin Doyle's 13th-minute header, Giovanni Trapattoni's side might have doubled their advantage when Robbie Keane's 57th-minute shot came back off the post.
However, Whelan made sure of the points with a long-range 70th-minute strike which squirmed past Giorgi Loria in the Georgian goal.
The impressive Levan Kenia pulled one back for Georgia deep into injury time but it proved a mere consolation as Trapattoni's men secured a vital victory.
Trapattoni said: "We are not sure, but we are convinced we can go and qualify.
"It's too early to think about qualification, but success in an away game like this, on Wednesday we now have high spirits.
"I must be happy because I saw some good things in our mentality. All the players worked for the result and they are happy in the dressing room.
"They were happy, because they now believe."
