Klose netted his fourth goal in two World Cup matches - all headers - and his 12th for Germany in 14 games, with his previous 11 against inferior sides in Austria, Israel, Greece, Albania and Saudi Arabia.

After a sustained spell of German pressure, albeit without creating anything of note, Ireland finally began to exert themselves on the game just after the midway point of the game.

Two noteworthy Kevin Kilbane crosses from the left saw the first aimed for the near post to Keane, but it just eluded the Leeds striker as Kahn again claimed.

The second was headed away by Ramelow, with Keane again the target.

Keane then looked poised for the spectacular in the 44th minute as a looping cross saw the 21-year-old, with his back to goal, attempt an overhead kick, only to fluff his attempt.