The Morning Sports Briefing

Soccer: Euro 2016

Irish soccer was reawakened last night after Martin O'Neill's team secured arguably their best result of this millennium - a 1-0 win over world champions Germany that sealed a play-off spot for Euro 2016.

In fact Shane Long's wonderful second-half effort leaves the squad with a great chance of securing automatic promotion from the group, if they can see off Poland on Sunday. That task would have been all the easier if it wasn't for Robert Lewandowski's last minute equaliser against Scotland last night, which ensured they remain in second place ahead of the final round of fixtures - level on points but far ahead on goal difference.

It was a tireless Irish performance, disciplined intensity from the likes of James McCarthy and Jon Walters in particular set the tempo for an historic night at the Aviva.

“For McCarthy, this was a coming of age. Right from his first appearance in an Ireland jersey, we’ve been making claims for him and having to swallow them nearly as soon as they were out of our mouths. We’ve watched him play for Everton like a classy, to-the-manor born Premier League midfielder and wondered where that guy disappeared to when his shirt turned from blue to green,” (Malachy Clerkin).

West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph was an unexpected first half substitution replacing the injured Shay Given, and it was he that provided the assist for Long's winner; "I wish I could go out and go back over it all again, to soak it up properly."

There was similar elation last night from Liverpool fans, they secured Jürgen Klopp as their new manager - a huge coup for the famous Anfield club who will hope that the man who transformed Borussia Dortmund into a European powerhouse will also be able to turn back the clock on Merseyside.

Rugby: World Cup

This Sunday proves to be a huge day for Irish sport - the rugby team have an equally important game against France, the pool decider, and Gerry Thornley expects to see Devin Toner and Cian Healy return to the XV as Joe Schmidt retains his tried and trusted team.

Liam Toland's column this morning is discussing "how may France lose? When they make a line break they struggle off the subsequent breakdown. Michalak appears an awkward distributor of very quick ball and with Mathieu Bastareaud in midfield the French often pass behind the shoulder when hunting width especially off their left hand."

GAA

Meanwhile it's been revealed that Galway hurling boss Anthony Cunningham offered his resignation when he was approached by a delegation of players prior to his reappointment, yet the players weren't after his resignation, but that changes be made ahead of 2016.

What to watch out for:

In the RWC tonight we will have a haka-fest as Tonga play New Zealand.

TV3 from 7.30pm

Shamrock Rovers v Dundalk kicks off at 7.45pm tonight - a win for Stephen Kenny's team could secure back to back league titles.

RTE 2 from 7.30pm