Republic of Ireland vs. Germany: Score and Reaction from Euro 2016 Qualifier
Republic of Ireland shocked world champions Germany in Dublin, beating the Euro 2016 Group D favourites 1-0 at the Aviva Stadium.
A goal from substitute Shane Long was enough for the hosts, who were under extreme pressure from the German attack for most of the game. The victory guarantees Ireland a play-off berth.
The Irish entered the match on a four-game unbeaten streak, but manager Martin O’Neill decided to make four changes to the team that started against Georgia last month, with Cyrus Christie, Richard Keogh, Stephen Ward and Daryl Murphy replacing Ciaran Clark, Glenn Whelan, Robbie Keane and injured Everton full-back Seamus Coleman.
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Emre Can and Bastian Schweinsteiger made way for Matthias Ginter and Marco Reus, as coach Joachim Low tweaked his options.
In what turned out to be a dull first half, with the Germans in command early on, Marco Reus and Ilkay Gundogen both went close for the visitors, but neither could find the back of the net.
Arsenal's Mesut Ozil thought he had scored after 19 minutes; Thomas Muller fed the midfielder, but as he expertly took his chance, the linesman raised his flag for offside.
Irish journalist Ken Early highlighted the lack of action from both teams, with Germany looking too comfortable:
An injury to Mario Gotze saw the World Cup final goal-hero substituted before half-time, with Andre Schurrle taking his place, and Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given was also forced from the field of play after pulling up, stretchered off and replaced by Darren Randolph.
WhoScored.com gave their analysis of the players at half-time:
The visitors continued to dominate the opening of the second half, as Schurrle went close with a rasping volley that flew a yard over the crossbar. But the Irish appeared determined to get back in the game and began to offer a better flow in midfield and attack.
Reus and Ozil looked dangerous with every attack, as the world-class talents began to put their foot on the gas as tiredness became a factor for the defence.
Opta suggested there might be a late show from Ireland as they improved:
Ireland's Daryl Murphy had a rare opportunity on the hour-mark after a quick break forward from the hosts, but it was wasted—resulting in the player's substitution for Long.
The stadium exploded in the 69th minute as Long latched onto a long ball to give the Irish a shock lead. A punt from Randolph sailed over the German midfield and defence, leaving Long to control the ball and finish with style.
Early called the action as Long scored a famous strike:
Sky Sports' Hayley McQueen was in shock as Ireland went 1-0 up:
The Irish fans were alive and singing as the Germans looked to make amends in the closing moments. German heads were in their hands in the 77th minute as Muller missed a golden opportunity from 12 yards out, as the Munich star passed his shot wide of the post.
Footballer Clinton Morrison believed Muller's amazing miss was a good sign:
The Telegraph's Mark Ogden hailed the Irish supporters, who continued to give their immense vocal support to their team:
Ireland's defence was tiring under pressure, but the adrenaline was pumping, and they kept Germany at bay, despite wave after wave of attacks.
There was an explosion of joy as the referee blew for full time, giving Ireland one of the greatest wins in recent memory.
It was an incredible night for O'Neill and his team, who were played off the park for long spells by the world champions.
One long ball and a finish was enough to counterpunch a much stronger opponent and give Ireland the most unlikeliest of victories.
The romance of football was alive and well in Dublin on Thursday night, as Ireland toppled a giant in their own back yard in one of the greatest nights in their sporting history.
Post-Match Reaction
Losing German coach Low was frustrated by his team's defeat and criticised their lack of finishing, as reported by BBC Sport's Neil Johnston:
"It was an unexpected and totally unnecessary defeat. We made our own life difficult. We have to be more ice-cold. Ultimately, we lacked the ultimate consequence and the last pass, and then we made a single mistake and it is a goal. Normally we score but there are the occasional matches where we make very little out of a lot chances.
"
Ireland now face a pivotal final away game against Poland on Sunday, with Germany hoping to wrap up the group win as they host Georgia on the same day.
