Shane Long's Goal vs Germany
Ireland hadn't been in a major tournament since 2002, but now thanks to Shane Long's Goal vs Germany, the Irish are close to solidifying their spot in their second straight Euro Cup. The lads from the Emerald Isle beat the defending world champions in Dublin yesterday and we couldn't be more excited about how close they are to qualifying for the Euro. They haven't sealed the deal yet, as they have a match with Poland on Sunday. With a win, the Irishman will officially qualify for the Euro. With a loss, they will enter a playoff match to decide their fate. But before we enter that stressful situation, let us bask in the glory that was this goal vs the Germans.
The play would not have happened with out the absolute gem of a ball from Irish goalkeeper Shay Given. The Stoke keeper blasted a 70 yard pass to a streaking Long, who was clinical in his run and finish. And how about the atmosphere in Dublin? The roar from Aviva Stadium gives any football fan goose bumps, and now the Irish will look to Poland on Sunday. They will have to deal with Robert Lewandowski who is on an absolute tear. The Bayern Munich striker has been obliterating the Bundesliga and scored two goals against Scotland yesterday. Ireland will also be without keeper Shay Given as he suffered a knee injury in the match.