The stature and speed of Duff and Keane could provide the key to what would be a famous victory for the Irish, who have not beaten Germany in the last five meetings between the two sides, stretching back 42 years.

Michael Owen showed just what can be achieved against Germany’s defence if a player has pace on his side, scoring a hat-trick in England’s historic 5-1 qualifying win in Munich.

Even if the Blackburn and Leeds strikers manage to exploit any space which comes their way, they then face the frightening figure of captain Oliver Kahn, who is still regarded as the world’s best goalkeeper.

Much will depend on how much of the ball Keane and Duff receive for Germany’s five-man midfield is one of the strongest at the World Cup and could overrun Ireland’s more conventional four across the middle.

Liverpool’s Dietmar Hamann is the linchpin, supported by Bayer Leverkusen’s Bernd Schneider and the highly-rated Torsten Frings, whose pedigree is such that Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund have this week paid Werder Bremen around €11.65m for his services.

Republic manager Mick McCarthy extolled the virtues of new midfield pairing Matt Holland and Mark Kinsella after the 1-1 draw with Cameroon, insisting that was not to the detriment of exiled skipper Roy Keane.

McCarthy was impressed by the link-up play between the Ipswich and Charlton duo, but they could have their work cut out if Hamann is on form and able to distribute the ball with his usual devastating effect.

Down the wings are Spurs’ Christian Ziege and Michael Ballack of Bayer Leverkusen, the pair who provided the majority of the ammunition which led to the destruction of the Saudis.

Kevin Kilbane and Gary Kelly, likely to be given the nod ahead of Jason McAteer on the right wing as the Sunderland star is again struggling with a knee problem, will be asked to perform a containing role as well as to set up Keane and Duff.

Fulham’s Steve Finnan and Leeds’ Ian Harte will provide Kelly and Kilbane with the support they need and cut off the supply to Carsten Jancker and hat-trick hero against Saudi Arabia in Miroslav Klose.

All three of Klose’s goals were headers and he is unlikely to find it as easy to score against the Republic, particularly with captain Steve Staunton determined to ensure his record-breaking 100th cap is a memorable one.

Staunton looks set to be partnered by Kenny Cunningham, with Gary Breen doubtful due to his own knee injury, with Jancker’s strength and power the major problem they will have to contend with as the 6’5’’ Bayern Munich striker often draws markers to him before setting up his partner.