Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has praised the "sensational effort" of his players as they won 1-0 at home to world champions Germany to give them a fighting chance of qualifying from Group D.

Shane Long netted the only goal of the game with 20 minutes remaining to give O'Neill's side the victory, which puts Ireland level on points with Poland ahead of Sunday's showdown in Warsaw.

"The players put in a fantastic effort," O'Neill told BBC Sport after the final whistle. "To beat the world champions is a sensational effort.

"We showed bravery and courage. We had to withstand a lot of pressure, which you'd expect, and we did that."

Regardless of Sunday's result against Poland, Ireland are guaranteed at least a third-place playoff spot, but they must win in order to progress automatically due to their inferior goal difference.