Good evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole on what could be a decisive night in Group D of Euro 2016 qualifying as third-placed Republic of Ireland host leaders Germany at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Both sides can give their qualification hopes a telling boost this evening, so we should be in for an entertaining and intriguing contest. Let's start with a look at the team news...

IRELAND STARTING XI: Given; Christie, Keogh, O'Shea, Ward; Brady, McCarthy, Hendrick, Hoolahan, Walters; Murphy

GERMANY STARTING XI: Neuer; Ginter, Boateng, Hummels, Hector; Özil, Kroos, Gündogan, Reus; Götze, Müller

What can we make of those two sides, then? Well, the standout absentee is a certain Robbie Keane, who misses out having arrived late to the squad due to the birth of his child this week. Ireland assistant manager had made a bit of a mockery over a question whether his namesake would start the match when asked in a press conference, but as it turns out the veteran striker does indeed miss out. Murphy will lead the Ireland line in his place.

That is one of four changes to the side that beat Georgia last time out, with an enforced one coming at right-back as Seamus Coleman misses out due to a hamstring injury. Cyrus Christie, who scored his first goal for his country against Gibraltar in the last round of games, fills in for the Everton man again, and this time he is joined at the back by Keogh and Ward - two other changes from last time out. Indeed the only one of the back four to keep his place is John O'Shea, who memorably got a late equaliser in the reverse fixture almost a year ago.

Brady is expected to play in a more advanced role tonight to the one he did against Georgia, with Ireland having to shuffle things around in midfield a little due to suspensions for McClean and Whelan. Hoolahan is a notable inclusion in that area of the field having been a doubt for this match due to a heel injury, which made him miss training earlier in the week. The in-form Norwich man has recovered in time, though, which is a big boost for the hosts.

Elsewhere, Jonathan Walters keeps his place in the side having scored the only goal of the game against Georgia to rescue all three points for his side. Hendrick and McCarthy also started that match in the midfield and are retained for tonight's game, while the experienced Shay Given makes his 133 appearance for his country between the sticks.

As for Germany, they make two changes to their side that edged past Scotland last time out, with one of those coming in defence as Liverpool's Emre Can makes way to be replaced by Ginter at right-back. It is an otherwise unchanged back five, marshalled by the ever-reliable Manuel Neuer between the sticks with Boateng and Hummels the men directly in front of him. It is a fierce defence to get past, particularly considering Ireland are without Keane.

The other change sees another Premier League player make way as Bastian Schweinsteiger joins Can in being dropped to the bench. The experienced midfielder hasn't quite been at his best since his move to Manchester United and, with such a wealth of midfield talent at Germany's disposal, that is enough to see him lose his place as fit-again Marco Reus returns to the fold - not a bad replacement to be able to bring in!

It really is an embarrassment of riches for Germany in that area of the field. Ozil is beginning to find a bit of form for Arsenal and can be world class on his day, while Kroos and Gundogan provide a solid enough base for those in front of them to really shine. The former can weigh in with a goal here and there as well, and Ireland will need no reminder of that having conceded three against the Real Madrid man in the last two meetings.

Mario Gotze will play a little further forward than most of that midfield, but the main goal threat is likely to come through Thomas Muller, who has been a magnificent form recently. The Bayern Munich man still isn't quite regarded as an out-and-out striker, but his goal record for club and country is superb. He has scored six goals in his last four European Championship qualifiers and eight in eight games overall during this campaign.

It is a star-studded cast that arrives in Dublin for the world champions, then, but Ireland won't hold any fear about their visit. They have proven themselves to be tough nuts to crack during this European Championship qualifying campaign, and it is no surprise to see them on the verge of clinching a place in the playoffs at least. They are potentially just one game away from that happening, although they will be wary of an ever-improving Scotland behind them.

Four points currently separate the two home nations with two matches remaining in Group D, which means that if Ireland can equal or better Scotland's result against Poland this evening then thirds place, at the very least, would be theirs. Indeed, Ireland could still actually win the group should they take maximum points from their final two games, but that will be a tall order with the top two - Germany and Poland - coming up in the space of just four days.

Whatever Scotland do against Poland, an Ireland win tonight would guarantee them at least a place in the playoffs, as well as forcing Germany to put their qualification party on hold. However, defeat, coupled with a Poland victory over Scotland, would see them ruled out of contention for automatic qualification by virtue of finishing in the top two. There is another automatic route to France, however, with the third-placed team who amass the most points also booking their place on the plane. Ireland are currently second of the third-placed teams (you following?), behind only Ukraine.

A playoff does appear to be the most likely scenario, however, and they have shown so far in Group D that they are capable of giving anyone a game. They have picked up draws against both Germany and Poland, while they come into this match having lost just one of their last 11 games and none of their last six. That unbeaten run stretches back to November of last year, when Scotland emerged 2-0 victors.

Ireland's last two outings, against Gibraltar and Georgia, have both resulted in victories while keeping a clean sheet, and it is that defensive record that has been the bedrock of Ireland's challenge. They have conceded the fewest goals in Group D, letting in just five in their eight matches, which is two fewer than both Germany and Poland. They have not kept three clean sheets in a row since 2011, though, and it is a tall order to keep Muller and co at bay right now.

Ireland do actually have a very respectable record in European Championship qualifying in recent times, losing just one of their last 17 outings in the competition - a run that stretches back five years. They have lost only three of their last 30, in fact, winning half of those.

Their record at home should also give the fans cause for optimism tonight, with Ireland going unbeaten in front of their own supporters since May of last year - a run of seven home games during which they have conceded just three goals. In European Championship qualifying in particular, Ireland are unbeaten in eight since a 3-2 loss at the hands of Russia in 2010. That is their only home loss in Euro qualifying since October 2002 - a run of 19 matches.

Germany are unlikely to be outdone on accolades and records by many teams, though, and it won't be often that Ireland would have welcomed the world champions to town. These two sides did play out a dramatic 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture, but Germany had been uncharacteristically slow to get going at the start of their European campaign. They scraped past Scotland in their opening match before being beaten by Poland and drawing with Ireland. Four points from a possible nine may have been respectable for most teams, but for Germany it was almost unacceptable.

There has been no stopping them since then, though, and they should go into this match as a much more confident team than the one that was held to a draw in Gelsenkirchen last year. They have now won five European Championship qualifiers on the bounce to move top of Group D, including two impressive and hardfought wins against Poland and Scotland respectively in the last round of games to put them on the brink of qualification.

That Scotland match was particularly entertaining as Gordon Strachan's side gave the world champions a stringent examination at Hampden Park. Germany were twice pegged back in the first half having taken the lead, going into the break at 2-2 following a frantic opening 45 minutes. However, they got a third after the interval and this time there was no coming back for Scotland as the spirited hosts fell to a 3-2 defeat that left their own qualification hopes hanging by a thread.

A point tonight would complete the job for Germany, while a victory, coupled with Poland failing to beat Scotland, would see them crowned as group winners with a game to spare. It would take an unlikely set of results for them not to qualify automatically for France now, but Joachim Low will still want to get that sewn up sooner rather than later. Die Mannschaft take on Georgia in their final qualifier on Sunday, incidentally.

As expected in a group with minnows Gibraltar, Germany haven't struggled for goals in qualifying so far. They have 22 to their name from eight matches, which is a tally that only Poland (29) and England (26) can better through every group. Things aren't quite at panic level at the other end of the field, with Germany having let in seven goals in eight games, but the fact that they have only kept three clean sheets so far should give Ireland some encouragement.

They are in pretty formidable form, though. In addition to winning their last five qualifiers, they have lost just one of their last 25 competitive matches, with 21 wins in that time. That run, of course, includes success at last summer's World Cup in Brazil, although they were beaten 2-1 by USA in a friendly fairly recently. When it comes to European Championship qualifiers, the defeat to Poland is their only won in their last 20, since October 2007, while they have never lost more than once in a single Euro qualifying campaign.

Their away form is, if anything, even more impressive. They have won 13 and lost just one of their last 16 games on the road, including their path to World Cup glory last summer, while in this competition their loss to Poland was the first on the road this century. Their most recent away European Championship qualifying defeat before that was a 1-0 loss to Turkey in 1998, 22 matches ago.

PREDICTION: We're just 10 minutes away from kickoff at the Aviva Stadium now, which means that it is time for a prediction! This one is quite a tough one to call with so much riding on it. Ireland are certainly capable of getting something out of the game, but you'd have to think that if Germany turn up and play to their best, they will come away with all three points. It should be close, certainly closer than Germany's last visit to these shores, but I'm going for a 2-1 away win.

That last visit to Ireland for Germany is a night that the hosts will want to forget - and certainly one they won't want to repeat here. They were thumped 6-1 during qualifying for the 2014 World Cup, with that one goal being a consolation in second-half stoppage time. Reus (2), Ozil and Kroos (2) were all on the scoresheet and play again tonight, while Klose also joined them in finding the net almost exactly three years ago.

Ireland will have fonder memories of the last time these two teams played, however, with John O'Shea scoring in the 94th minute in Gelsenkirchen it steal a point for Martin O'Neill's men after Kroos had earlier given the Germans a lead. It was a memorable night for the Irish, and if they can produce something similar in front of their own fans tonight then they may just keep their slim hopes of automatic qualification alive.

Ireland are, however, winless in their last six meetings with Germany, with their last victory coming in a warm-up friendly for the 1994 World Cup. They have drawn three and lost three since then, which isn't a terrible record considering Germany's standing in the game, while all of their last three goals against Die Mannschaft have been scored in the 90th minute or later. Germany, meanwhile, have found the net 10 times in the last three meetings between these two sides.

Right, we're just about ready to go here in Dublin. The anthems have been sung, handshakes exchanged, and all that is left is for 90 minutes of football to follow. We will keep you updated with the action from Hampden Park as Scotland take on Poland, while you can follow live action for all the home nations with us.

KICKOFF: Here we go then! After a minute of applause, Germany get us underway in Dublin ahead of this crucial Euro 2016 qualifier.

UPDATE: Incredibly, Poland have already taken the lead against Scotland through Robert Lewandowski, who is just in lethal form at the moment. As things stand, then, Scotland would be out and Ireland would finish third.

Solid start from both sides here, although it is Germany who have looked the more threatening of the two sides when they have come forward in the opening stages. They win a free kick in a good crossing position here...

...but Reus's cross is poor and Walters, the first man, clears the danger.

Germany are getting into the Ireland final third with alarming ease at the moment. They are yet to create a real chance, but it is surely a matter of time before Given is tested if they continue to bypass Ireland's midfield like this.

CHANCE! Sure enough, a chance comes for the world champions, but from a corner as Boateng is left unmarked in the area. He is under no pressure as he goes to head the ball goalwards, but he can't keep his effort down when he really should have done better.

Ireland look like they may have to be doing a lot of chasing shadows this evening. Germany are looking very comfortable in possession, as expected, and Ireland are being forced to defend very deep as a result.

CHANCE! Brilliant defending from O'Shea as he throws himself in the way of a shot from Gundogan when the midfield looked destined to score. The chance came from more good work down the German left flank and the ball was pulled back to the edge of the area, but with the goal gaping Gundogan's shot is deflected behind for another corner.

Some more brilliant last-ditch defending, this time for Keogh as he stretches to put a low cross behind for a corner when Muller was setting up for a tap-in behind the Derby defender. Germany are getting closer and closer, though.

Germany have enjoyed 74% possession in this match so far, and things are looking increasingly ominous for Ireland right now. If it stays like this then it will surely only be a matter of when, rather than if, they take the lead.

DISALLOWED GOAL! Germany finally do get the ball in the back of the net, but the celebrations are cut short! Reus did really well down the left channel to keep the ball in and pull it back to Muller, who fizzed a cross towards the near post that Ozil glanced into the far corner. However, the Arsenal man had just strayed offside.

The majority of Germany's threatening attacks have come down their left wing so far, with Cyrus Christie really struggling to deal with the quality up against him. A Championship right-back up against the likes of Muller, Reus and Gotze is something of a mismatch!

Again they get down the left, but this time Hector's cross is far too heavy. In fairness to the left-back, the ball arrived later than it should have to him from Reus, but the delivery was still very disappointing.

CHANCE! Christie shows his attacking intent at the other end of the field now, getting forward down the right and drilling a low ball towards the near post. Walters looks to be in front of Hummels and gets a touch to it, but can't generate the power to really trouble Neuer at his near post.

That was Ireland's first real sight of goal of the night, and even then it was by no means an easy one for Walters. It has been backs-to-the-wall stuff for the hosts for the majority of this match, but they continue to frustrate the world champions.

Almost a chance for Ireland as they come forward in numbers, but Hoolahan just can't get the ball under his spell right on the edge of the box. The ball continues to bobble about dangerously from a German point of view until Gundogan does brilliantly to mop up the danger.

Ireland have just had probably their best spell of the match - that being a couple of minutes inside the German half - but the visitors quickly regain control and it is wave after wave of white shirts coming forward right now.

A worry for Germany here as Gotze goes down following a challenge with McCarthy. The German looked to do the damage to himself and is holding his groin, but it would be a surprise if he was unable to continue as it seemed fairly innocuous.

CHANCE! Ireland use their temporary numerical advantage well to keep possession and get deep inside the German half. Hoolahan reaches the byline and pulls the ball back to Walters, but Kroos gets a vital last-ditch foot in to send the shot into the side-netting.

GERMANY SUB: Gotze is indeed unable to continue, so on comes Andre Schurrle in his place.

UPDATE: It is also a big night for Northern Ireland's qualification hopes, and they lead Greece 1-0 courtesy of a Steven Davis strike.

Ireland have done well to hold out in this first half, it must be said. They are more in the game now than they were earlier in the half, and in truth Shay Given hasn't had anything too strenuous to do so far despite Germany being camped in the Irish half for long spells.

CHANCE! Big chance for Germany as Muller gets down the right flank this time before pulling a low ball all the way back to Ozil. He is stretching for it a little, but should still probably score. Instead, the ball goes narrowly past the post with Given completely beaten. He was rooted to the spot there.

There looks to have been more behind Given not moving for that shot then as the keeper goes down clutching his knee and suggests that he will need to depart here. Big blow for Ireland.

IRELAND SUB: There is the change, and it is Darren Randolph who has been given the nod to make his competitive debut for Ireland ahead of Forde. Big test for Randolph now.

UPDATE: There is also an update on matters between Scotland and Poland, where Matt Ritchie has just scored a stunning equaliser for the hosts to reignite their qualification hopes. The pressure cranks up just a little on Ireland, although as things stand they are still guaranteed at least third.

There will be three minutes of stoppage time at the end of this first half.

Carlos Velasco brings an end to the first half in Dublin, then, and we're still goalless despite Germany being on top for much of that opening 45 minutes. Ireland's resolve has held out so far, though, and as things stand the hosts will be guaranteed at least a playoff place in Euro 2016 qualifying.

Despite all of Germany's dominance, they haven't really tested the Ireland keeper so far. They have created chances, though, and arguably the best of the lot fell to Boateng early on when he planted his header over the crossbar when unmarked from a corner. Ozil has also had a very good chance at the back post with half of the goal to aim at, but he couldn't steer his shot on target on the stretch.

Some last-gasp defensive work has helped Ireland to keep Germany at bay too, with O'Shea making one notable block to deny Gundogan, while Keogh was also called upon to make a last-ditch interception. It has certainly been hard work for Martin O'Neill's side, and fatigue is likely to play a part in the second half, particularly as they have already used one of their subs, but so far they have held firm.

Ireland have had a couple of sights of goal themselves, although their breaks into the Germany half have been few and far between. Walters was on the end of both chances, first turning a Christie cross towards the near post having got in front of Hummels. It was by no means an easy chance, and sure enough it didn't truly trouble Neuer at his near post. Walters's second chance came with 10 minutes remaining of the half, but this time Kroos got a vital foot in to turn the shot into the side-netting.

There have been a couple of substitutions due to injuries in that first half, with Mario Gotze the first to be forced off with a groin problem. Perhaps the most costly could prove to be Given being stretched off for Ireland, however, with the experienced keeper being replaced by Darren Randolph, who is making his competitive debut against the world champions.

KICKOFF: Ireland get us back underway in Dublin, with just 45 minutes separating them from a place in at least the playoffs in Group D. Germany, meanwhile, would seal qualification for Euro 2016 as things stand.

Germany quickly get themselves camped in the Ireland half again at the start of this second half, but they are being forced to be patient up against a wall of green shirts. They seem strangely reluctant to have a go from 25 yards or so too, instead looking for the intricate pass.

Perhaps that's why... Schurrle picks the ball up just outside the Ireland area a little wide to the left, but his shot is always rising on its way a long way high and wide of the target.

Really good pressure from Ireland as they force Germany all the way back to the keeper. The hosts have worked very hard off the ball in this match, but it remains to be seen just how long they can keep that up for.

Not the most convincing piece of work from Hummels as he volleys the ball straight up into the air inside his own box. Neuer goes to claim it, but Walters shoves him out of the way and is subsequently penalised.

CHANCE! Big chance for Germany from the quickest counter you are likely to see this season! Neuer plucks a Brady free kick out of the air and releases Reus immediately with a long kick downfield. Reus checks back and sends a perfect cross over to Schurrle, who can't keep his volley down when he should have done better.

UPDATE: Big news from Hampden Park as Scotland have turned things around against Poland through Steven Fletcher's goal! It is now 2-1 there, which would leave Ireland facing a big task up against Poland in Warsaw on Sunday.

Germany sweep forward with pace again and the ball eventually arrives to Muller, who cuts inside but can't get enough power on his shot. Schurrle sticks a foot out to try to prod it goalwards, but even though he doesn't make contact, the flag is still raised.

Muller again picks the ball up just outside the box and this time tries to poke the ball through for Hector, but Randolph is quick off his line to snuff out the attack. Still no way through for the world champions.

Nice idea down the right from Ireland as Christie slips a pass inside for Hoolahan before calling for the return pass, but that finds Christie in an offside position.

SHOT! The home fans are starting to create a bit of noise here, and Ireland respond with a decent opening. Murphy wins the initial ball from Randolph's kick before getting it back from Hoolahan, but his powerful drive is some way wide of the target.

IRELAND SUB: That proves to be Murphy's last (in truth, pretty much his first as well) action as he makes way to be replaced by Shane Long.

Germany come forward down the left once again, with Reus in acres of space down the channel. He has all the time in the world to pick out a cross, and sends a pass right across the six-yard box, but there are no white shirts there waiting to tap it in!

Another big piece of defending from Ireland as Hoolahan gives the ball away in a very dangerous area. Schurrle comes forward before slipping a pass to Muller down the left channel, but Ward is across to make a vital interception.

IRELAND SUB: A third and final change for the hosts as Ward limps off having gone down a couple of times in the last few minutes. He is replaced by David Meyler.

Oh my word! Incredible scenes in Dublin as Ireland, who have been on the back foot for the vast majority of the match, take the lead through Shane Long! Germany have to look at their defence as Randolph's straight boot upfield beats everyone to send Long clean through on goal. The sub's pace takes him away from the defenders, and he has the composure to fire his finish into the top corner past a helpless Neuer. Unbelievable!

CHANCE! Germany almost come up with an immediate response from a corner as Muller flicks the ball on at the front post. Hummels has to readjust his body at the back post, but can't hit the target.

SHOT! At the other end Ireland go in search of a second, but Hoolahan fires his low effort wide of the far post.

This is end-to-end stuff now, although you can expect Germany to have the better of territory from now on. Gundogan is the latest to go for goal, and the latest to hit the target, as his tired effort is a long way from testing Randolph.

Just 15 minutes remain for Ireland to hold out now. As things stand they will be moving up to second in Group D and would 'only' need a point against Poland in Warsaw to automatically qualify for Euro 2016. Germany, meanwhile, would also qualify tonight due to Ireland and Poland both playing each other.

GERMANY SUB: A change for the visitors as Karim Bellarbi replaces Ginter for the final 13 minutes plus injury time

CHANCE! Oh my word, what a chance for Germany to level things up! The ball is pulled back from the byline on the left side and makes it all the way through to Muller, who has time and space to pick his spot from the middle of the box and 12 yards from goal. He looks for the corner, but somehow sends it wide of the post. For a player of his quality, in his scoring form, that is a sitter and the majority of people inside this stadium are no doubt wondering quite how he hasn't scored that one.

Germany have been the better side tonight, there is no doubt about that, but if they fail to win this match they only have themselves to blame. They have got into some very good positions but, incredibly, are yet to have a shot on target.

SAVE! There is the first shot on target for Germany as the ball is driven towards the top corner, but it is pretty simple for Randolph as he parries it away.

SAVE! Germany are starting to test the Ireland keeper now, and it is long overdue. Gundogan is the man to force a save this time, although Randolph read the midfielder's intentions and got down to make the save.

Risky play from Brady as he tries to play out from the back, which gifts the ball to Germany in a very dangerous position. Nothing comes of it, but Brady appears to have picked up some pretty bad cramp. Remember, Ireland have already used all three of their subs.

GERMANY SUB: Speaking of three changes, Germany make their final sub of the evening as Gundogan is replaced by Kevin Volland.

YELLOW CARD! Brilliant play from Brady to break out and find Long, who skips past Hummels before going to ground. There was clear green grass in front of Long, but he can;t have had the legs to make it otherwise he wouldn't have dived. Even so, the referee falls for it and shows Hummels the first card of the night.

Ireland hack the ball clear, and Neuer is there to pick it up more or less on the halfway line. It is attack vs. defence right now as the hosts desperately try to hang on for what would be a famous victory.

Into the corner Ireland go already, and who can blame them? They have put in a monumental effort to keep Germany at bay tonight, and it looks like it could be enough.

YELLOW CARD! Hoolahan goes into the book for a late challenge as Germany tried to play out from defence.

Kroos turns away from his man nicely in midfield but then wastes a decent attacking position by blazing his long-range effort high and wide.

There will be four minutes of added time at the end of this incredible match.

UPDATE: Meanwhile, over in Scotland Poland have got a heartbreaking late equaliser to rescue a point against their hosts in Glasgow. That puts Scotland out.

CHANCE! A late scare for Ireland as the ball is floated into the area where Hummels, acting as a makeshift striker, gets his head to it. It is straight at Randolph, however, and he will take the chance to hammer the ball back downfield.

Incredible scenes at the Aviva Stadium as Ireland have beaten the world champions! Shane Long's goal 20 minutes from time was enough in Dublin to hand the hosts a famous, famous victory over Germany, which also puts them on the brink of Euro 2016 qualification. It will come down to their match against Poland in Warsaw on Sunday as to whether they can automatically qualify, but they are at least guaranteed a place in the playoffs.

That is all we have time for! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole on a memorable night in Dublin as Ireland pick up their first ever competitive victory over Germany. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction, analysis and player ratings. There is plenty more Euro 2016 qualifying action to come for you in the coming days, but it will do well to top the dramatic events of tonight! Until then, it is goodbye from me!