Long, just five minutes after coming on, latched on to a deep cross from substitute goalkeeper Darren Randolph to drill past Germany stopper Manuel Neuer.
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German manager Joachim Low described the 1-0 reversal as an “unnecessary” defeat and speaking to reporters in Germany, the World Cup victor denied the visitors played badly and was not impressed by Ireland’s attacking strategy and time-wasting tactics.
“I went in before the game and shook a few hands, I know a few of them personally and I’m good friends with Stuart”.
Captain Steven Davis scored twice, sliding home the opener after a well-worked move 10 minutes before halftime, and heading in a corner after Josh Magennis made it 2-0 after the break.
A win for Poland or Ireland would seal automatic qualification, with the losers entering the play-offs.
Germany will be without attacking midfielder Mario Goetze, sidelined for up to three months with an adductor muscle injury picked up against Ireland, but there is still hope for Bastian Schweinsteiger to be fit in time.
“But it’s been a great effort and the players, as I say very briefly, showed great courage, great determination and a few ability as well to conjure up the win”, he added.
“It took a couple of heroes to make our dreams come true”, said Phil Moutray, sounding hoarse from all the partying.
O’Neill’s team had been all but written off for qualification before they received a lifeline when rivals Scotland suffered a shock defeat to Georgia in September. The team has had to dig deep during the campaign, no more so than when scoring a vital, last-gasp equaliser against Hungary last month. Obviously Davo to get two goals – absolutely brilliant – he deserved them for his overall performances in the whole campaign.
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A similar approach for soccer could just produce an unbeatable team, according to Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, whose party has members of parliament on both sides of the border and want a united Ireland.
