Ireland looked to be down and out as they had trailed since the 19th minute to a Miroslav Klose header, the striker’s fourth goal in two World Cup matches - all headers - and his 12th in 14 internationals.

But two minutes into injury-time, and with Ireland having dominated the match in terms of possession, Leeds striker Keane struck with a close-range right-footed shot which went in off Oliver Kahn’s left-hand post for his 11th goal in the 36 games for the Republic.

McCarthy made a double substitution in the 74th minute, with Harte and Kelly being replaced by Niall Quinn and Steven Reid as the Ireland boss switched to three at the back in a bid to salvage something from the game.

When Hamann backed into Quinn in the 76th minute, moments after Oliver Bierhoff had replaced Jancker, it set up a free-kick chance which Keane curled well wide from just 20 yards.

With Ireland pushing forward, gaps were starting to appear at the back and one was nearly exploited 12 minutes from time when Frings floated a chip to the far post for Klose, but this time his header was just over the bar.

Kahn then blocked at the feet of Keane as he chased a through-ball before Klose was replaced by Marco Bode five minutes from time, the in-form striker having his right knee taped after making his way to the bench.

Quinn came within a whisker of a dramatic equaliser for the Republic in the 87th minute as he first chested down Finnan’s long through-ball before attempting a chip over Kahn which landed on the roof of the net.

Staunton’s 100th cap ended with him being substituted shortly after as Kenny Cunningham tasted his first World Cup action, with Schneider then substituted by Jens Jeremies as Germany coach Rudi Voller looked to waste a few precious seconds.

Almost two minutes into injury-time the Republic grabbed the goal their play truly merited as a Finnan cross was knocked down by Quinn into the path of Keane, who stole in between Linke and Ramelow before driving his shot in off the left-hand post.