Germany suffers another shock as Ireland hold world champions to 1-1 draw

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ANI London
Last Updated : Oct 15 2014 | 12:55 PM IST

Sunderland A.F.C. defender John O'Shea's injury-time equaliser helped Republic of Ireland to hold world champions Germany to a 1-1 draw and earn a point in a dramatic Euro 2016 qualifier.

Germany were aiming to bounce back from their shock defeat by Poland but were frustrated until Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos fired in on 71 minutes.

However, O'Shea, winning his 100th cap, flicked into the bottom corner in the final seconds of added time to end Germany's hope of winning the match. The Republic are second in Group D, level on points with leaders Poland, The BBC reported.

Poland, who drew 2-2 with Scotland, are on 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 O'Neill added muscle and discipline following the 7-0 hammering of Gibraltar on Saturday.

However, the Germans were 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 Saturday's 2-0 defeat in Warsaw.

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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.

O'Neill brought on Wes Hoolahan and the Norwich playmaker gave a much-needed spark to the Republic attack. Forde denied Mario Gotze and Durm blocked Hoolahan's low shot before O'Shea provided the thrilling finale, the report added.

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First Published: Oct 15 2014 | 12:37 PM IST

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