John O’Shea, the centurion, the captain, the hero. About time he gets his dues.
Over the years there has been a certain negativity directed at John because he played for Manchester United and won so many medals. People expected so much from him.
I always liked O’Shea the left back, so solid and reliable, but he made his name at centre half so we all presumed an epic career from him at the heart of Ireland’s back four. But it took time for him to become a dominant force.
Richard Dunne’s retirement gave him no choice but to lead, to become the senior man and not just the versatile servant.
And he is a leader. Without a consistent partner of late, John held the line for his country.
Stark contrast
He has waited a long time for the respect he always deserved. The goal will never be forgotten but last night at both ends of the pitch he was outstanding. In stark contrast to Mats Hummels who failed to track his run in injury time.
A weaker Germany we will probably never see. This is not the same team that remained calm when faced by similar defensive tactics in Brazil last summer. Their bench hardly inspired confidence either; two goalkeepers, a right back, a defensive midfielder and Lukas Podolski, who can't get his start for Arsenal.
No fear seeing him arrive up front for the second half. Marc Wilson certainly profited.
Ailing confidence rattles the psyche of any group. Even World Cup winners. Poland helped us after all. The certain group winners are now reeling.
As the hour mark passed the idea of a draw became realistic. Germany needed their best player to rise above the mediocrity of his teammates.
Toni Kroos did just that. He stepped into the gaping hole vacated by the injured Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Until that moment, that flawless finish, you could see Ireland players beginning to believe.
O'Shea is as good an example as any. When Robbie Keane departed, he took the armband and grew another foot, striding out of defence. As the leader must in such situations.
Something special
Germany had too many rookies on show.
Matthias Ginter
is a novice. He’s only played three times for
Borussia Dortmund
since they bought him for €10 million in the summer.
It felt like only something special would beat us. Kroos delivered a shot so clean it hit the butt of the excellent David Forde’s right post before nestling in his left netting.
Nothing else was going to beat the Millwall goalkeeper.
That immediately turned the tide, relaxing the younger, inexperienced Germans.
We needed something from another era to grab this point. O’Shea threw his name among some great Irish saviours. Just like Robbie Keane did way back in 2002.
Martin O’Neill must be lauded; his was an adventurous set-up for a journey into the toughest of footballing environments.
I thought O'Neill's line-up would see Jon Walters in behind Robbie Keane but Aiden McGeady started in the Wes Hoolahan role. In fairness, that's where McGeady scored that wonderful goal against Georgia. He will always be a threat behind the lone striker.
Walters shifting up front alone for the last half hour revealed O’Neill’s tactical plan; hang on in there, sensibly as possible and with poise, before removing Keane and inviting the nervy Germans on.
Maybe Stephen Quinn gave Kroos an inch, a half inch. But it was enough. Quinn had a good game in an environment that will make him a better player. He was crucial as Ireland pressed relentlessly during dangerous opening stages.
Bellarabi was the go-to man initially but James McClean provided cover for Stephen Ward. Quinn tracked over as well. The wide players proved critical. McClean and Walters were excellent, as was McGeady when he drifted to the wing.
Glenn Whelan essentially acted as a third centre half, picking up any German midfielder coming though the middle. He belted into Kroos before the injuring himself tackling Podolski. Jeff Hendrick filled the gap admirably.
Ireland almost relaxed, like every international footballer should, once the game develops a life of its own. German players are skin and bone. Like the rest of us. Poland proved as much.
The early sight of Hummels being given so much latitude striding forward was a concern. It meant we would always be on the back foot.
A solid start but confidence only grows with possession. At least we were lying so deep Muller wasn’t going to easily slip in behind O’Shea and Wilson. The full backs were like Gaelic football corner backs with David Meyler not budging. It took 45 minutes to get behind him.
The Ireland defence and midfield dealt with their direct opponents, nobody was taken to the cleaners.
The referee missed Meyler’s foul on Podolski in the Irish box as Germany bombarded Ireland after half-time. Lucky break.
Ward was targeted constantly by Bellarabi but he wasn’t allowed the same number of crosses seen against Poland.
So, besides a few hiccups by Wilson, everyone did their jobs effectively.
Valuable point
Ireland survived the 15 minutes after half-time and O’Neill reacted accordingly. On came Hendricks when Whelan hurt himself and
Darron Gibson
relieved Keane. That sent Walters up front. It was all very negative but sensing a valuable point, all out defence was the right call on this occasion.
Hoolahan deserves a mention for ghosting into that goalscoring position. It would have made O’Neill a tactical genius – but Durm made a brilliant block.
O'Neill and his players were brave after going 1-0 down. Everything changed. No more can be asked of them. Maybe Shane Long could have started but the approach worked.
An injury-time goal is always a steal but Ireland performed admirably enough to put that swerving Wim Kieft effort in Gelsenkirchen, all of 26 years ago, to bed.
For one night anyway.
