Shay Given produced a string of saves to ensure the Republic of Ireland claimed a 0-0 draw from their trip to Russia.
The Aston Villa stopper denied Andrey Arshavin during the opening 45 minutes, while he produced another block deep into stoppage time after the break to turn away Konstantin Zyryanov's stooping header.
Visiting Ireland very rarely troubled their hosts in the Luzhniki Stadium, registering just one shot on target throughout the 90 minutes.
Ireland have now kept a record seven clean sheets in a row, having not conceded a goal since March.
The play-offs now look the most likely route if Giovanni Trapattoni's men are to qualify for the European Championships next year.
