Germany defenders Mats Hummels: ‘Blame me for Republic of Ireland defeat’

Joachim Löw paling beneath his tan and the night Martin O’Neill had been waiting for.

Although it was Martin O’Neill’s men that seemed more in control of their own game plan from the off, pushing high up the pitch on their opponents causing Jerome Boateng and Manuel Neuer into sloppy giveaways of possession; the Bayern Munich duo clearly unnerved by the frankness of Ireland’s plucky demeanour. “Right through the team, magnificent”, O’Neill told Sky Sports.

He also praised hero of the night Shane Long for his “wondergoal”.

A Belfast punk legend whose protest songs brought together a generation born into different sectarian camps has praised the Northern Ireland football team for creating a new “alternative Ulster” far beyond the political divisions now threatening powersharing in the region.

Failing that, a place in the third place playoffs is already secured and eight nations will compete for the remaining four positions in the tournament in November.

Albania, who lost 2-0 at home to two late goals in a politically-charged match against Serbia in the same group, can still pip Denmark to the automatic qualifying spot and a first ever place in any finals, if they win in Armenia on Sunday.

SAINTHOOD awaits the long-suffering Shane Long.

“When I came on there were a few exhausted legs…”

Lewandowski had put Poland ahead inside three minutes but Scotland hit back and goals from Matt Ritchie and Steven Fletcher looked to have given them the win they needed to keep any hopes alive of reaching the finals.

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan said he felt sorry for his squad.

Former Derby winger Jamie Ward, now with Nottingham Forest, played 81 minutes for Northern Ireland.

“Ecstatic that we won the game and you’d think that beating the Germans – and not being beaten by them at all – that that would be at least deserving of winning the tournament”.

He was thrilled to watch a sea of green cheer on every block, tackle and shot. We may not have the best quality but we never give up.

“It was important throughout the game but particularly in the last 15 minutes when we’re hanging on”.

“The fans are always in full voice and that will definitely result in the players giving it their all”.

But their recent performances have stood in stark contrast to that lowly ranking and O’Neill has been eager to remind his players of their efforts.

“We have been working on set-pieces all week, they are a big part of how we play”.

“We deserved it because we took it to the Germans when we had to”.

Northern Ireland have endured 14 unsuccessful qualifying campaigns since Billy Bingham’s side reached the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, while the modern day vintage require a point against Finland in Helsinki on Sunday to be crowned Group F winners.