Sport

Saint Shane strikes to give Ireland the most famous of wins

Shane Long can't hide his delight on the final whistle at the Aviva Stadium <br />Picture: PA&nbsp;
Shane Long can't hide his delight on the final whistle at the Aviva Stadium
Picture: PA 
Shane Long can't hide his delight on the final whistle at the Aviva Stadium
Picture: PA 

SAINTHOOD awaits the long-suffering Shane Long. What. A. Strike.

The former Tipperary minor hurler will not score a more important goal for the rest of his days. This was the stuff of dreams, rope-a-dope at its cutest. The much-maligned Aviva Stadium erupted like never before as soon as Long’s drive flew past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and rippled Germany’s net.

Long’s historic goal ranks alongside Jason McAteer’s strike that sank Holland back in 2001, which inched the Irish closer to the 2002 World Cup finals. The Tipp native’s goal on Thursday night propelled Ireland into the play-offs - and if they beat Poland in Warsaw on Sunday night or even record a high-scoring draw, they will automatically qualify for next year’s Euro finals in France on the head-to-head rule. 

As Martin O’Neill said prior to Thursday night’s epic encounter, he would settle for a play-off berth.  But to actually beat the Germans was the greatest result in Ireland’s qualification history. Nobody expected this dreamy narrative. 

This was the night the green army finally fell in love with Martin O’Neill. It was a slow-burner of an affair. The football, for the most part, up until Thursday made for grim viewing. The Scots looked to have the upper hand on them in the early part of the campaign.  But Group D – arguably the toughest of all the groups - was turned on its head following Scotland’s defeat in Georgia last month.

The Irish kept chipping away, kept banking the points and, finally, O’Neill’s reign caught fire in Dublin. The Kilrea man lurched about his technical area just like he did during his Celtic days. The team was energised. And the manager deserves immense credit for his team selection, tactical set-up and wily use of Shane Long.

Nobody could’ve guessed O’Neill’s starting line-up for Thursday night’s final home game in Group D. Stephen Ward was brought in from the cold to play at left-back and Robbie Brady, who had occupied the position for the second half of this campaign, was pushed into a more familiar left-sided midfield role.  And Daryl Murphy won the manager’s vote to take Robbie Keane’s place in attack. 

After two good shows as a second half substitute against Gibraltar and Georgia last month, a lot of pundits expected Long to be given the nod. But Long was held in reserve – and Ireland’s angry young man ran half of the pitch before unleashing a pile-driver that was enough to win the game. 

Needing only one point to secure their own qualification, the nonchalant Germans came to Dublin with a swagger and left with their tail between their legs. The world champions should still finish top by beating Georgia at home in their final game of a tumultuous qualification campaign. But all eyes will be on Warsaw on Sunday night, as the wheels finally came off Scotland’s brave challenge following their disappointing 2-2 draw with the Poles on Thursday.

In the early stages, it seemed only a matter of time before Germany would break down Ireland’s stout resistance. Jerome Boateng headed over. John O’Shea’s brave block denied IIkay Gundogan a goal after 13 minutes. Richard Keogh made a telling interception moments later. Mesut Ozil’s flicked finish was rightly ruled off-side, while the Arsenal man was narrowly off target in the 40th minute. 

In between times, the Irish were as good as what could be expected against class opposition. They kept their shape incredibly well and never allowed Thomas Muller any space to weave his magic. 


And even though the visitors lacked a bit of urgency, their ability alone was always going to create openings. In the 55th minute, a brilliant pass from goalkeeper Manuel Neuer found the impressive Marco Reus and his inch-perfect cross found Andre Shurrle who blazed over the crossbar. 

Stephen Ward defended brilliantly to deny Reus. At the other end of the field, when Ireland summoned the energy, they played some nerveless passages of football while Wes Hoolahan’s ability to keep hold of the ball was crucial to Ireland’s tactical plan. 

And just when the game started to become a little looser, Long was thrust from the bench for the tiring Murphy. The substitution changed the dynamic of the game. One long punt forward from substitute goalkeeper Darren Randolph found Long and his pace took him free of the German defence.

The Southampton striker still had a lot to do but with one perfect swing of his right foot, history was made. The goal stung the world champions into action. The Germans threw the kitchen sink at their gutsy hosts.  

Muller somehow missed the target when well placed. Mats Hummels headed wide when it seemed harder to miss. Boateng saw his pile-driver saved by Randolph while Gundogan was denied too. Ireland’s goal was blessed.

With every missed chance, you just knew it was going to be Ireland’s night.  

There were heroes in every line of the Irish team. Every man wearing green emptied themselves and played with a composure rarely witnessed during Martin O’Neill’s reign. Same again will do nicely in Warsaw on Sunday night.

And God bless Shane Long...

MATCH STATS


Rep of Ireland: Given (Randolph 44), Christie, Keogh, O’Shea, Ward (Meyler 69), Hendrick, McCarthy, Brady, Walters, Hoolahan, Murphy (Long 65). Subs not used: Forde, McShane, O’Kane, McGoldrick, Pearce, McGeady, Keane, Doyle, Gibson; Booked: Hoolahan; Goals: Long 70.


Germany: Neuer, Ginter (Bellarabi 77), Boateng, Hummels, Hector, Reus, Gundogan (Volland 85), Kroos, Ozil, Muller, Gotze (Schurrle 35). Subs not used: Leno, Mustafi, Rudy, Schweinsteiger, Can, Kramer, Kruse, ter Stegen; Booked: Hummels.


Ref: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain). 

Shane Long's mother, Anne, and sister, Elaine, spoke to The Ray D'Arcy Show on RTE Radio 1 about the match, as did President Michael D Higgins. Listen here: