Saints man scores winner against world champions

It was a truly memorable night in Irish football last night. The Republic of Ireland national team beat reigning world champions Germany 1-0 to give themselves a real shot at qualification for Euro 2016 in France next summer.

It was doubly special for Southampton forward Shane Long. Long started on the bench with Ipswich man Murphy leading the line from the start of the match. Long came off the bench to score the only goal of the night to give Ireland one of their most special wins in their history.

Germany controlled the pattern of play and created numerous opportunities to score throughout the game, however, none of the players in their star-studded line up were able to finish.

The likes of Mesut Ozil, Marco Reus, Andre Schurrle and Thomas Muller all missed good chances for the away side as Germany threw everything at Ireland going forward.

The goal finally came, but not to the team on top. The two substitutes for the home side combined to give Ireland the lead. Shay Given went off injured in the first half and replacement ‘keeper Randolph sent a long kick forward that evaded the German defence and came through to Shane Long and the Southampton mane fired the ball past Manuel Neuer to win the game. A truly wonderful moment in Irish football history and it belongs to a Southampton man, Shane Long.

The win mean Ireland are guaranteed a play-off place in their group, however, if they beat Poland Sunday night, they will gain automatic qualification to next summers European Championships.

Shane Long hasn’t been as involved in the national side and his club side Southampton as he would like in recent times and he will hope that his goal against Germany will further enhance his chances of playing more minutes for club and country.