Thomas Muller is cranky over Ireland’s tactics and the referee after Thursday

With Germany still struggling to create any chances of note, Ozil drifted infield and was often the furthest forward but cut a frustrated figure in front of goal, and was unable to test a goalkeeper with little experience at worldwide level on a poor night for the world champions.

“We have a big match against Poland now but one way or another, at least we’ve reached the play-off and we’ve something to go for on Sunday”.

Randolph’s mammoth kick eluded the static German rearguard giving Southampton striker Shane Long the opportunity to beat Manuel Neuer with a classy right foot strike.

“It was an unexpected and completely unnecessary defeat”, said Germany coach Joachim Loew.

O’Neill will now take his side to Poland knowing victory will secure their passage to France.

Because of its superior goal difference, a draw on Sunday would be enough for Poland to qualify directly, while Ireland needs to win to avoid the playoffs.

Earlier Thursday, Georgia defeated Gibraltar 4-0 in Tbilisi.

The clocked ticked agonisingly through four minutes of stoppage time before referee Carlos Carballo’s whistle sparked mass celebration on and off the pitch.

Mesut Ozil gave the Irish supporters a big fright when he found the back of the net, but the Arsenal midfielder was stood in an offside position and the home faithful were relieved.

Counterpart Shay Given went off with a knee injury to be replaced by Randolph just before the break.

But the Aviva was bouncing and the home fans nearly had something more to cheer seconds later when Walters squared for Hoolahan, who took aim from distance but dragged his effort wide.

Richard Keogh, Cyrus Christie and, again to raised eyebrows, Daryl Murphy also got the nod against a Germany side featuring seven of the men who played in the World Cup final in Brazil last summer.

“I wasn’t the only one but I got there too late”, he said.

‘Ireland only defended and played long balls.

He said: “I was upset but there are 25 players who all want to start”.