John OSheas injury-time equaliser earned Republic of Ireland a point with world champions Germany in a dramatic Euro 2016 qualifier. Republic have seven points from three games John OShea scores third international goal Irish face Scotland in Glasgow next month World Cup winners Germany fourth in Group D Germany were aiming to bounce back from the shock defeat by Poland but were frustrated until Toni Kroos fired in on 71 minutes. However, OShea, winning his 100th cap, flicked into the bottom corner in the final seconds of added time. The Republic are second in Group D, level on points with leaders Poland. Poland, who drew 2-2 with Scotland, have a goal difference one better than the Irish. On seven points, Poland and the Republic are three points ahead of Scotland and Germany. Jon Walters, Stephen Quinn and Glenn Whelan came into the Republic side as boss Martin ONeill added muscle and discipline following the 7-0 hammering of Gibraltar on Saturday. Eric Durm rattled the bar from 35 yards and Antonio Rudiger headed wide as the hosts pressed early at the Stadion Gelsenkirchen. The Irish were wasteful in possession, while Aiden McGeady, handed a free hole behind lone striker Robbie Keane, was unable to influence affairs. However, the Germans were also toothless in attack, failing to penetrate a hard-working and organised Republic defence. Matthias Ginter headed over, while David Forde saved an angled Julien Draxler drive just before the break, but this was a tame German response to Saturdays 2-0 defeat in Warsaw. Forde kept out strikes from substitute Lukas Podolski, Karim Bellarabi and Kroos early in the second half as the World Cup winners upped the tempo. A moment of class from Kroos finally breached Irish resistance, with the Real Madrid midfielder allowed space to fire low off the post and in. ONeill brought on Wes Hoolahan and the Norwich playmaker gave a much-needed spark to the Republic attack. Forde denied Mario Gotze and Durm blocked Hoolahans low shot before OShea provided the thrilling finale. The Sunderland defender, who had pushed up as the Irish chased a late leveller, connected with Jeff Hendricks pull-back to send the ball beyond Manuel Neuer in the fourth and final minute of injury time. Courtesy:BBC
Posted on: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 03:25:09 +0000
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