International

Euro joy for O’Neill as Ireland beat world champions!

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Image for Euro joy for O’Neill as Ireland beat world champions!

Martin O'NeillIreland are 90 minutes away from automatic qualification to next summer’s European Championship finals in France.

A goal from substitute Shane Long gave Martin O’Neill’s side a 1-0 win over Germany to set up a showdown away to Poland on Sunday with both teams tied on 18 points.

Ireland were long odds against beating the Germans but despite suffering a number of call off’s and seeing goalkeeper Shay Given stretchered off in the first half they came away with full points thanks to Long’s priceless strike.

The Southampton striker replaced Daryl Murphy in the 64th minute then raced onto a long clearance from Darren Randolph before slotting his shot past Manuel Neuer.

Germany won 6-1 on their last visit to Dublin but there was no danger of a repeat scoreline tonight as O’Neill set his side up to contain and hit on the counter- attack.

With three teams battling for one automatic place and a slot in the play-off’s it was bound to be a night of drama as news bounced back and forwards between Dublin and Glasgow.

As the game in Dublin developed Ireland grew in confidence roared on by a passionate capacity crowd at the Aviva Stadium who were aware of Poland’s early goal against Scotland at Hampden.

Two goals either side of half time for Scotland appeared to put Gordon Strachan’s side in the driving seat but Long’s goal upset all the pre-match predictions.

Poland’s stoppage time equaliser was quickly followed by the final whistle in Dublin sparking great scenes of celebrations.

As the dust settles on a dramatic night Ireland face Poland knowing that whoever wins will go directly to France with the losers facing a play-off. A 0-0 draw would put Poland through, a 2-2 draw would put Ireland through with a 1-1 draw leaving the automatic qualifying place to the statisticians after the sides drew 1-1 in Dublin in March.

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0 comments

  • SeanBhoy says:

    Well done to all the teams who qualified or are about to,shame Scotland can’t be there would give everyone a wee boost.

  • Big Mike says:

    Well done the Republic a fantastic result forf all involved. Unlucky Scotland but the same old same old.

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