Germany coach Joachim Löw was understandably thrilled to have seen his side battle to the point which secures their place at next summer’s Euro finals.
“Today the job has been completed. We have qualified with three games remaining, which is worth particular praise. We didn’t have the quality in attack tonight, but that happens sometimes” he commented.
“The team were fantastically competitive and were pushed to the limits.”
Stand-in captain Torsten Frings was delighted with the point which seals qualification.
“We knew it would be difficult today because the Irish were fighting for their last chance” captain Torsten Frings explained.
“We stood up well against them, that was important. We can be proud that we have qualified so early, and are the first country to do so.”
Under-fire goalkeeper Jens Lehmann hardly put a foot wrong all night, although he did pick up a yellow card, which puts him out of the upcoming match with the Czech Republic.
“Our goal was not to concede here tonight as it was important to get this point. It’s normal for the keeper to be booked if he handles the ball out on the throw-in line” the Arsenal keeper joked.
Goal.com - Euro 2008 - Löw Delighted With Hard-Fought Point