Ireland defeat sends Germany through

12 October 2013 00:01

Mesut Ozil ensured Germany's presence at the World Cup finals in Brazil as he left it late to round off a decisive 3-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland.

The Arsenal midfielder struck two minutes into stoppage time at the Rhein Energie Stadium after Sami Khedira and Andre Schurrle had scored either side of the break to finally kill off a stubborn Irish side, who hit the bar through Ciaran Clark at 1-0.

Ozil's last-gasp contribution was harsh on Republic goalkeeper David Forde, who had to pull off a string of fine saves, the best of them from Schurrle and Thomas Muller, to deny the Group C winners further reward.

Source: PA