It was a historic evening at the Aviva stadium this evening as Ireland produced an incredible performance to beat the reigning World Champions, giving them a good chance of qualifying.
With some injury worries before the game, Martin O'Neill had some tough selection decisions to make, but the XI players who took to the pitch produced the type of display that has made folk heroes of many an Irish footballer in the past.
While the game was not without its worrying moments as Ireland survived wave after wave of attacks from a dominant Germany, they were resolute enough at the back to see things through to the end and record a 1-0 victory. Here's how we thought all the players got on tonight, with a ranking out of 10.
Shay Given: 10
Taken off before half time with a muscle injury, a number of near misses from Germany meant he didn't have too much to do before being subbed.
Cyrus Christie: 10
Filling in for the injured Seamus Coleman, he was caught out early on losing his man at the back post, but settled into have a fantastic game.
Image: ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
Richard Keogh: 10
Bandaged before the game even started, he was ready for a battle and proved up to the challenge.
John O'Shea: 10
Captain. Leader. Legend.
Stephen Ward: 10
The defender hadn't played a minute of league football with Burnley and had only appeared in the Capital Cup so far this season. When he went down in pain in the 65th minute, that lack of match time clearly began to tell, but he got back up to make a vital block before being replaced by David Meyler.
Jonathan Walters: 10
Tireless running, incredible effort and showed great awareness and presence of mind to kill the clock in the final minutes up by Germany's corner flag.
Image: ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
James McCarthy: 10
Important influence in the middle of the park, kept the team's shape for the full 90.
Jeff Hendrick: 10
Similar to Walters he put in a fantastic shift again tonight and seemed calm and reassured when on the ball.
Wes Hoolahan: 10
As always Ireland's most exciting attacking outlet, and an important player to have to hold the ball up and add some composure to the midfield when the team needed to hold on to the ball and relieve some pressure.
Robbie Brady: 10
Another strong performance, stuck to his defensive tasks incredibly well and provided an option when pushing forward. Also went down with cramp but soldiered on to the final whistle.
Image: ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan
Daryl Murphy: 10
Many questioned his inclusion in the starting lineup, but he was a nuisance to the German backline, pressing from the front for the entire time he was on the pitch. Came close with an effort before being subbed off for Long.
Darren Randolph: 10
Came on before the second half started, and looked reassured in the goal. Made one hugely impressive save when Ireland were under pressure towards the end also.
David Meyler: 10
Came on for the injured Ward and slotted in to make sure that Ireland had the legs to see out the game.
Shane Long: 11
Officially a national hero now, his goal will be remembered for years to come. A wonderfully taken goal showed signs of his becoming a confident finisher.
Image: ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
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