Ireland 1-0 Germany: Arsenal star Mesut Ozil unable to prevent shock defeat

Mesut Ozil

Germany suffered a shock 1-0 defeat against Ireland in their penultimate Euro 2016 Group D qualifier.

The German national team failed to secure a place following the loss but can still progress to the tournament with just a point in their next game.

Arsenal star Mesut Özil started alongside Muller and Gotze. They had been called ‘Gözilla’ but the Irish were unfazed by the nickname for the trio coined by BILD in honour of the Japanese mythical beast.

The first half ended in a goalless draw but second-half substitute Shane Long opened the scoring on 70 minutes for the Irish and his side managed to told on to their lead until the final whistle.

The Irish take on second placed Poland next and need a win to secure a place in the next round but have already booked a place in the playoff round.

Ireland v Germany

Kick-Off: 19:45 GMT

Stadium: Dublin Park

Ireland confirmed starting lineup: Given; Christie, O’Shea, Keogh, Ward; McCarthy, Hendrick, Hoolahan, Brady, Walters; Murphy.

Germany confirmed starting lineup: Neuer (C) – Ginter, Boateng, Hummels, Hector – Özil, Kroos, Gündogan, Reus – Götze, Müller

Goals: 70′ Long