Ireland pulled off one of their greatest ever soccer victories with a 1-0 victory over world champions Germany in Dublin.

Irish substitute Shane Long was the hero of the hour crashing home a goal midway through the second half after beating two German defenders to a long ball kicked downfield by the Irish goalkeeper Darren Randolph, whose father is from Florida.

Long kept his composure before unleashing an unstoppable right-footed drive into the top left hand corner of the net.

The victory for Ireland ensured them at least a play-off place for the European finals after Scotland only tied Poland 2-2 in Glasgow.

Ireland meets Poland in a winner takes all contest on Sunday.

Both teams have 18 points and whoever comes out ahead will automatically qualify for next summer's European Championship tournament in France.

The victory rivaled Ireland’s 1994 World Cup win over Italy at the Meadowlands in New Jersey.

For manager Martin O’Neill it was a strong affirmation of his tactical play after receiving much criticism over being too negative in earlier rounds.

Overall, Ireland took four of the six points from Germany having tied them in the German home leg.

Northern Ireland made history too, qualifying with a victory over Greece in their group.

Watch Long's winning goal here: 

.@ShaneLong goal sealed the victory for Ireland V Germany tonight https://t.co/OvtIP2zzFm #COYBIG

— Follow Galway (@FollowGalway) October 8, 2015

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