"Exceptionally Brave" Second Half Performance Key To Win-Martin O'Neill
Martin O’Neill felt an improved second half performance last night was key in the Republic of Ireland’s famous win over Germany at the Aviva Stadium.
Shane Long's winner with 20 minutes to go will go down as one of Irish football's most memorable moments, as the Boys in Green held on for a 1-0 win, which secures a playoff spot in Euro 2016 qualifying-at least.
Ireland defended resolutely throughout, preventing the World Champions from having a shot on target until just before the hour mark and reducing them to just four shots on target throughout the game, despite them having 67% possession.
Ireland boss O’Neill felt they were slow to start, before coming into the game in the second half, describing his players as being “exceptionally brave to get on the ball”.
He also praised hero of the night Shane Long for his “wondergoal”.
Hear from the Irish gaffer here:
O’Neill also admitted he was kept up-to-date throughout the game on the happenings in Glasgow, where Scotland and Poland drew 2-2.
Ireland had to match or better Scotland’s result against the Poles in order to confirm a playoff spot.
That looked unlikely midway through the second half, as the Scots led 2-1, with Ireland still scoreless against the Germans.
But Shane Long’s “wondergoal” changed all that, while Robert Lewandowski equalised for Poland with the last kick of the game, to give the Boys in Green even more breathing room.
O’Neill admits he was kept abreast of the situation in Glasgow, but he kept the details from his players: