Republic of Ireland need a good result against Germany on Thursday, a draw or a win, otherwise a victory for Poland against Scotland would eliminate them from the race for automatic qualification at the Euro 2016 final tournament. The reverse fixture ended with an unlikely draw, thanks to John O'Shea's stoppage-time equaliser in Gelsenkirchen. The last visit to Ireland was a happy one for Germany, they won 6-1. Ireland have won just twice against the Germans.
Martin O'Neill's men can be proud of their qualifying campaign so far, with just one defeat in eight matches. They have only lost to Scotland in November 2014, but after that they went on a four-match unbeaten streak. Last time out they defeated Georgia to move just two points behind Poland. Ireland have the best defensive record in the group, with just five goals conceded in eight fixtures.
Germany had a poor start to the campaign with a surprising defeat against Poland and a home draw against Ireland. They did recover after that and won all their last five matches to move at the top of the group table. Thomas Muller scored eight goals so far in this campaign. Head coach Joachim Low is happy to have a clean bill of health ahead of this match, all his stars are fit and ready to play.
Probable line-ups:
Ireland: Given - Christie, O'Shea, Clark, Brady - Gibson, McCarthy, Hoolahan, Hendrick - Keane, Walters
Germany: Neuer - Hector, Hummels, Boateng, Can - Kroos, Schweinsteiger, Gundogan - Ozil, Muller - Gotze
My prediction: Germany to win 3-1.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Ireland win - 7.50 Draw - 4.50 Germany win - 1.50
newspiridon
8 years ago
Really a big surprise was at this match. Germany lost against Ireland (a victory at limit for Ireland 1-0 but they got all points). Germany had a stunning possession 67% and Ireland 33%, 17 scoring opportunities for Germany and 5 for Ireland and they lost. It was unbelievable to see that. But in football everything can...
Really a big surprise was at this match. Germany lost against Ireland (a victory at limit for Ireland 1-0 but they got all points). Germany had a stunning possession 67% and Ireland 33%, 17 scoring opportunities for Germany and 5 for Ireland and they lost. It was unbelievable to see that. But in football everything can happen.
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rikimartin4444_115925
8 years ago
Big surprise for me. Republic of Ireland won 1-0. They were great in this game, and earned big win against great opponent. After this win, they will play against Poland for second place. I hope they will qualify for European Championship. On the other side, Germany need to win next game and secure first place in group....
Big surprise for me. Republic of Ireland won 1-0. They were great in this game, and earned big win against great opponent. After this win, they will play against Poland for second place. I hope they will qualify for European Championship. On the other side, Germany need to win next game and secure first place in group.
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Johnajax 8 years ago
This is big win for Ireland, with this win they still have chance to qualify for EURO 2016. They played good defense against Germany but still they should concede at least two goals, Germany had a lot of chances but they were unlucky. Now we have complicated situation in this group where nobody is safe and it will be very...
This is big win for Ireland, with this win they still have chance to qualify for EURO 2016. They played good defense against Germany but still they should concede at least two goals, Germany had a lot of chances but they were unlucky. Now we have complicated situation in this group where nobody is safe and it will be very interesting in last fixture.
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Alexa Alexa 8 years ago
Germany did not had too much pressure to win this and that is main reason of their loss.This is bif result for Republic Ireland.I would be happy if there were qualified for this competition.They deserved this many years ago ,but they never had luck to finish camapign.
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sharpe
8 years ago
We've seen one the most surprising result in the qualifications in that one. Ireland have all the chances to fight for the first two places in the group after that result but it won't going to be easy at all when they have to battle against Germany and Poland. Still anything is possible and it will be a huge surprise...
We've seen one the most surprising result in the qualifications in that one. Ireland have all the chances to fight for the first two places in the group after that result but it won't going to be easy at all when they have to battle against Germany and Poland. Still anything is possible and it will be a huge surprise if Irish can win a direct promotion place.
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GREGJO
8 years ago
The German Machine was wrong today. But they are lucky because Poland could not collect all three points in Scotland. I'm not too satisfied with the Germans but they have qualified for the next round, so this match was not too important for them. Ireland is still alive but they have to win in Poland on the next matchday...
The German Machine was wrong today. But they are lucky because Poland could not collect all three points in Scotland. I'm not too satisfied with the Germans but they have qualified for the next round, so this match was not too important for them. Ireland is still alive but they have to win in Poland on the next matchday to reach the second place.
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nik92 8 years ago
I think there is no chance for Irleand in this match. Germany is so strong and I think it all depends on them..I expect the game with a lot of goals ovver 2.5..I think that Ireland has nothing to do in this game,they play against world champion Germany..
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Johnajax 8 years ago
I think that this will be nice match for watching. I expect a lot of goals and comfortable win for Germany. Ireland don't play bad in last few months but I think that Germany is much stronger and they won't have any problems here in Dublin. I agree with Johnny and my prediction is also 1-3 for Germany.
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GREGJO
8 years ago
Ireland defence will be very weak (Ciaran Clark is definitely out while Coleman and Wilson are questionable). And they will play against the reigning world champion... This match is very important for the germans and they don't want to lose. I think Müller will score at least one goal and Germany will win by 2:1.
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