Northern Ireland reach Euro 2016

1. NI HAVE QUALIFIED FOR EURO 2016
2. FT: Rep of Ireland 1-0 Germany
3. Long with dramatic strike across goal
4. Rep win on Sunday sees them qualify
5. FT: Scotland 2-2 Poland
6. Scotland cannot qualify for Euro 2016
7. Liverpool appoint Klopp as new manager

What a night! Plenty of drama, ups and downs and heartbreak/joy.

More of the same all weekend? We'll be here. See you there. 

Friday night lights

England are among the teams in action on Friday night - Roy Hodgson's men have the luxury of a dead rubber as they were already through.

Here's the full list of games:

Liechtenstein v Sweden - 19:45

Moldova v Russia - 19:45

Montenegro v Austria - 19:45

England v Estonia - 19:45

Slovenia v Lithuania - 19:45

Switzerland v San Marino - 19:45

Macedonia v Ukraine - 19:45

Slovakia v Belarus - 19:45

Spain v Luxembourg - 19:45

'Unnecessary defeat'

Germany manager Joachim Low: "It was an unexpected and totally unnecessary defeat.

"In the second half we played a bit negligent. Ultimately, we lacked the ultimate consequence and the last pass. And then we make a single mistake and it is a goal."

Reuters

Twitter reacts...

'I am hugely disappointed'

More from Gordon Strachan: "You have to hold your hands up and say well done (to Ireland). We have played against Poland and Ireland and not been beaten.

"I am hugely disappointed. After working hard for a year and at the end of the year for something like that to happen in the last seconds of a game...that's a year's work. I can't remember us getting anything lucky. Anything we got has been earned."  

'I am proud of them'

Reuters

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan: "If I'm like the rest of the nation, I am hugely disappointed for the players. The group of lads gave as much as they could give. That's what I see at the moment. I feel a bit sorry for them, to have put so much work in and to have scored two wonderful goals. I am proud of them. They have been a bit unfortunate."  

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Malcolm Harvey: A spectacularly Scottish way to crash out. Still, could be worse. We could be English rugby fans...

Dancing in the streets of Harare?

Middlesex batsman Balbirnie and his Ireland team-mates begin a one-day international series against Zimbabwe tomorrow.

'They made the most out of very little'

AP

Germany defender Mats Hummels: "What happened is what happens with teams like Ireland and that is that we had a lot of possession.

"We had our chances but they used their only one. Ireland made the most out of very little. Now we know it can get very tight in the last game and we have to be dominant against Georgia and not let anything happen."

Martin O'Neill totally forgot the word 'play-off' there. His mind went blank. That's what drama can do for you...

'A sensational effort'

Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill: "The players put in a fantastic effort. To beat the world champions is a sensational effort.

"We showed bravery and courage. We had to withstand a lot of pressure, which you'd expect, and we did that.

"We have reached the play-offs now and we can go for it on Sunday now."

What on earth is going on?

So. Just to de-tangle what surely must be one of the most complicated qualification scenarios in football ever, here's where we are in Group D. 

Republic of Ireland and Poland play in Warsaw in both teams' final match on Sunday. 

A draw would leave both teams on 19 points. 

Germany currently lead the group on 19 points, but will be expected to beat Georgia at home in their final game. 

If though, all three teams end up on 19 points, both Poland and Republic of Ireland have better head-to-head records than Germany, and both would finish above them.

As to who finishes higher between Poland and Republic of Ireland if both teams finish on 19 points, here's how it works:

A 0-0 draw in Warsaw means Poland go through - they will have scored more away goals in meetings between the two sides. 

A 1-1 draw in Warsaw means Poland go through - they have a better goal difference of the two sides.

A draw of 2-2 or higher would mean Republic of Ireland go through - as they will have scored more away goals in meetings between the two sides.

Portugal through

Elsewhere, Portugal booked their ticket to Euro 2016 with a 1-0 win over Denmark in Braga.

Joao Moutinho scored the only goal of the game midway through the second half as Portugal ensured they would top Group I. Denmark, who have played their last game, will still qualify if Albania fail to win in Armenia on Sunday.

Windsor Park is still rocking - there will be a good night out in Belfast tonight. And Dublin for that matter!

'This shows the potential of this team'

Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill: "The players were outstanding. Right through the team, magnificent, It's a privilege to be here, I'm proud to stand here as their manager.

"How have we done it? I'm not really sure! The players deserve the ultimate credit. We have confidence and belief which comes from winning games. This shows the potential of this team and of football in Northern Ireland."

'I won't sleep tonight'

BBC Scotland reporter Chick Young at Hampden: "Every fan leaving the ground will feel the same. The heart and soul has been ripped from us. This was going to be my final campaign. That's the tin hat on that now. I feel absolutely torn apart and shattered. I won't sleep tonight. People will wonder how on earth that happened. It's always us."

PA

Northern Ireland defender Gareth McAuley: "I've had some highs in individual games in my career but there has been real belief in this campaign.

"I can't put into words what it means."

Group D head-scratcher

Republic of Ireland, Poland and Germany could yet all end up on 19 points on Sunday evening...

Germany NOT YET through

They need a point against Georgia to be sure, to be sure...

RECAP

An incredible night of action. Let's recap things:

Northern Ireland HAVE QUALIFIED FOR EURO 2016

Scotland's chances are over, they are out of the picture.

The Republic of Ireland can qualify on Sunday - if they beat Poland. If it's a draw - well we need an abacus to work that one out...

Player reaction

PA

Steven Davis: "An unbelievable night. We showed what we were all about we couldn't ask for it to go any better." 

Josh Magennis: "I honestly can't put it into words. It came off my shoulder but I don't care! We have been working on set-pieces all week, they are a big part of how we play. We may not have the best quality but we never give up. Once you have that fight you can be a formidable team."

FULL-TIME

'Dreams are dead'

Chris McLaughlin

BBC Sport Scotland

PA

"After a poor first half that started with a Lewandowski goal and finished with a stunning Matt Ritchie equaliser, Scotland took control of proceedings at Hampden and started to believe that it could be their night.

"An equally outstanding Steven Fletcher goal just after the hour mark and it was dreamland. But what a cruel and nightmarish ending. That’s it for Scotland - dreams of France are dead and they died once again on the bed of glorious failure. Bring on the World Cup."

Gerry Taggart

BBC Radio 5 live at Windsor Park

PA

"I am speechless. I'm just taking it all in. It's unbelievable, Northern Ireland have qualified for Euro 2016.

"The music is roaring and the fans are dancing, here at Windsor Park. Tonight Greece just couldn't live with them." 

STILL they play on in Dublin...

Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra at Hampden Park

Reuters

"I've seen some incredible things over the years but I don't think i'll ever see anything more extreme than this. Poland have scored with a complete and utter fluke, and Scotland are out."

FULL-TIME

Scotland's Euro 2016 hopes are over. What an end to the game. Drama.

GOAL - Scotland 2-2 Poland

Reuters

What drama! Right at the end! Poland had their goalkeeper up for a free-kick, real kitchen sink job, the ball goes through a ruck of bodies and hits the inside of the post. The ball runs across the line and agonisingly for the Scots Robert Lewandowski is the fastest to react and hooks in on the line.

NORTHERN IRELAND QUALIFY

PA

Tremendous scenes at Windsor Park as one of the goalscorers Josh Magennis is at the foot of a pile-on. 

Northern Ireland were without four key players tonight and they have still got the job done.

BreakingFULL-TIME

NORTHERN IRELAND QUALIFY FOR EURO 2016

Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra at Hampden Park

"The adrenaline should be bursting out of these Scotland players, but it's not - they're looking tired."

Still five minutes of normal time remaining in Dublin. Germany pressing...

Uncertainty around Hampden Park - I don't think anyone knows anymore what Scotland need to do on Sunday...

Into added time in Belfast - what a night!

Germany heading through

Germany would be through. One of Ireland and Poland has to drop points on Sunday. Your maths is shocking BBC.

Matt

Thanks Matt - my maths do not represent the entire Corporation...

Into the last five minutes...

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International clubs? We know what you mean...

GOAL - Northern Ireland 3-1 Greece

It (shouldn't) make any difference but Greece have a goal - a carbon copy of Northern Ireland's opener as Christos Aravidis taps in a cross from the right.

Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra at Hampden Park

"After news of Shane Long's goal for the Republic of Ireland broke here the crowd went eerily quiet -  I think everyone had got their calculators out trying to work what is going on in terms of the qualification. 

"On the pitch the players are visibly tiring but they have to hold on. They could also do with Germany equalising against Republic of Ireland, too..."

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CLOSE!

Oh what a chance! Thomas Muller has made a career of putting these away but he somehow side-foots wide from the penalty spot after a cutback from the left found him in space. What a chance!

I can't believe he missed that...

Germany would not be through as it stands - they play Georgia at home in their last game though...

Reuters

The Republic are 15 minutes away from a famous, famous win. Good grief.

There's a party on in France next summer and NOBODY wants to miss it...

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Shohidur Rahman: Scotland, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland all winning. Amazing!

Chris Davies: What a night of football! Come on ROI and NI!

Daniel Woodley: What a phenomenal finish from Shane Long!!! A vital goal for Republic of Ireland! Can they do the unthinkable and hold on?

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Chris McLaughlin

BBC Sport Scotland

"The news of Ireland’s goal against Germany seems to have reached the stands here at Hampden. Looks of disbelief all round as fans rummage in their sporrans for the calculators."

As it stands

Northern Ireland - start booking your tickets.

Republic of Ireland - are beating Germany, as it stands a draw in Poland would see them qualify.

Scotland - remain in fourth and can still make the play-offs. 

GOAL - Republic of Ireland 1-0 Germany

Getty Images

Oh my word! Shane Long! A ridiculous night continues as the substitute puts the Republic of Ireland in dreamland!

It's a goal Jackie Charlton would approve of. Thoroughly. Darren Randolph belts the ball 75 yards downfield, with a bounce, Long reads it and gets there before Jerome Boateng and thumps it into the corner!

Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra at Hampden Park

"Having watched Scotland for so many years there is still such a fear factor. They've conceded late goals in games like these many times before..."

Ah, now then. Mmmmmm.

Positions are indeed decided on head-to-head records, with Scotland edging the Republic of Ireland on that score. Where Poland fit in, I'll come back to you...

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Can you clarify whether positions are decided by goal difference or head to head record if points are the same? If Scotland win both games & Ireland beat Poland, is there a scenario where Ireland qualify automatically & Scotland get into the playoff position in 3rd?

David

Elsewhere in Group F

Getty Images

You wouldn't imagine there are too manyFaroe Islandsfans-for-the-night left in Windsor Park now Northern Ireland are 3-0 up butHungaryhave equalised against the minnows in Budapest. 

More importantly though,Finlandhave just taken the lead againstRomania. Meaning as things stands, Northern Ireland willwin their group. 

Not a bad way to book a place at your first major finals since 1986...

Time for heroes

Into the last 20 minutes in Glasgow now - don't forget you can follow full coverage of that game here.

A goal for the Republic would really blow this group wide open now. There are 28 minutes left in Dublin, where the second half was late restarting. Any chance?

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Klopp signs as Liverpool boss

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'Passion and parties'

Gerry Taggart

BBC Radio 5 live at Windsor Park

"There are two things people from Northern Ireland are famous for and that's passion and parties. At Windsor Park you can see the passion on the pitch and in the stands, and tonight you will see the parties."

'Calm heads needed'

Chris McLaughlin

BBC Sport Scotland

"That Fletcher goal came just as the Poles were edging back into the second half. fabulous strike from the Sunderland man. Sounds like the roof is coming off Hampden Park. How will the visitors respond? They have looked dangerous throughout this match. Time for calm heads from Scotland."

Ah, the old 'spirit' reasoning Pat...

It's all gone very quiet in Dublin. Who would have thought that 0-0 to Germany could be a bad result?

Well, if it stays like this in Dublin and Glasgow it might not be - as a win in Poland in their last game would give them automatic qualification.

As it stands

Reuters

Northern Ireland - are heading to France. Get booking those tickets!

Republic of Ireland - currently two points above Scotland and could still secure automatic qualification.

Scotland - could still secure a play-off space. Depends on what happens with the Republic. 

'One of the best goals I've seen!'

Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra at Hampden Park

"Absolutely incredible! That is one of the best goals I have ever seen Scotland score! I don't know where to look. Poland have been by far the better team for much of this game but for pure spirit, there is no doubt in my mind. Scotland deserve this."

GOAL - Scotland 2-1 Poland

Rex Features

Oh my word! Where has that come from?! Steven Fletcher - hammered almost universally all night on social media - produces possibly the finest finish of his career to lift a 20-yard curler into the top corner! Scotland won the ball back in midfield and one pass found him on the edge of the box, but it was a brilliant strike!

That puts Scotland right back in the race for third...

CLOSE!

Can the Republic continue to shut Germany out? Marco Reus does well down the left to find Andre Schurrle at the back stick but he can't keep the volley down and it's over, on the stretch...

Gerry Taggart

BBC Radio 5 live at Windsor Park

"Unbelievable... Blimey. I think we're definitely going now you know." 

Get yourself a ferry ticket Gerry...

Klopp signs as Liverpool boss

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Big news - if very much expected news - on the domestic front too. Welcome to the Premier League Jurgen...

BreakingKLOPP CONFIRMED

Liverpool

GOAL - Northern Ireland 3-0 Greece

Reuters

It's three! What a night this is turning out to be for Steven Davis and for Northern Ireland. Again Greece can't handle a set-piece as skipper Davis lofts a header back into the far corner, What scenes...

Chris McLaughlin

BBC Sport Scotland

"Scotland look a side with more bite and belief in this second half. The wide men are stretching the game and Scott Brown is also starting to drive from the middle of the park the way he does for Celtic. The Poles still look dangerous though and fancy their chances when they come forward."

Luke: Northern Ireland. England cheering with you. Welcome to the party. What a goal!  

Stephen Kennedy: I once said Josh Magennis has a touch like a bouncy castle. I now retract that statement. What a hero.

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BBC Sport NI's Richard Petrie: "Windsor Park is rocking again as Euro qualification is surely secured now.

"Josh Magennis's goal provokes a rendition of the 'bouncy' and the fans are in full voice."

KICK-OFF

Better late then never, we are back in play in Dublin...

Gerry Taggart

BBC Radio 5 live at Windsor Park

"Josh Magennis has repaid Michael O'Neill's faith in him tonight. Unbelievable. Who would have thought it?

"Magennis has been a constant thorn in the side of the Greek defence tonight and deserves his goal." 

What a moment for Northern Irish football. They are on their way to the finals...

GOAL - Northern Ireland 2-0 Greece

Reuters

He's in tears! What a story! Kyle Lafferty's stand-in bundles in the second goal, it's a first international goal for Josh Magennis and the former Cardiff goalkeeper - yes really! - has sent Windsor Park into full-on party mode. It's a corner, he goes for the header, it comes off his shoulder - but who cares? He's off to France...

GREAT SAVE!

Scotland conceded at the start of the game and it's almost a repeat as David Marshall is forced into making a fine save right from the restart. Down to his right to keep out a low drive from Arkadiusz Milik...

KICK-OFF

And back in play in Glasgow too...

KICK-OFF

Back under way in Belfast, bang on the button.

Rory reads the future

BBC Sport

Rory McIlroy's mostly well known for being brilliant at golf, but as it turns out he's not bad at reading the future as well. 

He gave BBC Sport Northern Ireland a 1-0 prediction for tonight's game at Windsor Park... He's right so far at least...

You can watch the video here.

Germany bossed the first half but were disappointing in the final third. Dare I say they are lacking a proper centre-forward? I'm sure I said that during the World Cup and that worked out OK.

They could have done with nabbing Robert Lewandowski actually...

Getty Images

Dr Chris Young: Forrest Whittaker down the left. Last King of Scotland for Poland to contend with 

Very good doc. That's James Forrest and Steven Whittaker of course. Not the Hollywood A-lister... 

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Reuters

Scott Lees: What a goal from Matt Ritchie! You won't hit the ball any better...

Stephen Kennedy: The guy sitting beside me went for a burger and missed the Steven Davis goal. All I could say was: "Hope you enjoy that."

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As it stands

Worth repeating the fact that as it stands, Scotland are out, thanks to the Republic's point at home to the world champions.

HALF-TIME

'Stick plan B in the drawer'

Chris McLaughlin

BBC Sport Scotland

"The second half takes on a completely different look after that stunning Matt Ritchie strike. Poland had been in complete control with the home side creating very little. The question is, will the Scotland goal do to Poland what the visitors goal did for Scotland? Gordon Strachan sticks plan B back in the drawer and now looks ahead to the second half."

Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra at Hampden Park

"For the first 25 minutes I thought Scotland were basically out. They couldn't even get near Poland, they looked second best in every position but slowly and surely they've come into the match again and got better and better without ever really taking control. 

"And the one opportunity they have had, it wasn't even a half chance. Matt Ritchie was 25 yards out and facing the wrong way but he absolutely leathered it home."

SUBSTITUTION

Still playing in Dublin, where Shay Given has been replaced by Darren Randolph of West Ham.

HALF-TIME

GOAL - Scotland 1-1 Poland

Reuters

Pick that one out! What a hit!Matt Ritchiedrags Scotland's chances of qualifying back into the realms of possibility with an absolute belter. One touch to set, and then a left-foot drive from 25 yards out into the top corner!

HALF-TIME

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PA

David G: Is this seriously going to happen?? 30 years in the making.

sf-copy:  Everyone talks about Wales's achievement in this campaign but Northern Ireland's is much more impressive.

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HITS THE WOODWORK

What an escape! Greece have one shot blocked in the goalmouth and then seconds later Kostas Mitroglou rattles a shot against the inside of the post.

As the woodwork reverberates, referee Bas Nijhuis blows for half-time...

CLOSE!

Germany piece together a neat, flowing move down the right but when it is cut back to Mesut Ozil on the edge of the area he can only shoot into the side-netting. Shay Given is struggling now though.

Gerry Taggart

BBC Radio 5 live at Windsor Park

"We're now in the last few minutes of the half and Northern Ireland just need to take the sting out of the game. Run the clock down. 

"Greece have been knocking the ball around well and I'd like to see the home side get their passing game back going again."

It's not going to be all plain sailing for the hosts as Kostas Mitroglou threatens to convert a fine cross at the far post but that man Steven Davis is back in his own box this time to hook it out. 

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SUBSTITUTION

Germany make an early change as Bayern Munich forward Mario Gotze limps off to be replaced by Wolfsburg's former Chelsea man Andre Schurrle. Guile replaced by pace. 

For all of Germany's play, they have yet to have a shot on target. 

Davis the goal machine

Prior to this week, Northern Ireland goalscorer Steven Davis last found the net in February 2014, for Southampton in a 2-2 draw with Stoke.

He now has two in a week after notching in Saints' 3-1 win at Chelsea on Saturday.

Reuters

Northern Ireland potentially just 50 minutes of playing time away from a place in the Euro 2016 finals. What a night.

Windsor Park genuinely bouncing now. Great atmosphere. 

Gerry Taggart

BBC Radio 5 live at Windsor Park

"Stuart Dallas made sure he got the ball in the six-yard box and who was there for Northern Ireland? Captain Fantastic, Steven Davis. And what a ball from Corry Evans, too.

"Northern Ireland just need to keep the momentum now."

GOAL - Northern Ireland 1-0 Greece

Reuters

That is a bit of quality! Lovely move from Northern Ireland as Corry Evans slips a pass inside the full-back, Stuart Dallas takes one touch and then slots a cross across the face of goal and there is captain Steven Davis, sliding to convert from close range! Windsor Park erupts - set sights for France 2016...

Michael McGovern in the Northern Ireland goal does really well to come off his line and punch a dangerous cross away. Greece threatening.

As it stands

Northern Ireland - are heading to France. This is because the Faroe Islands are winning in Hungary.

Republic of Ireland - are assured of a play-off place. This is because Poland are winning in Scotland.

Scotland - don't ask. 

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Pat Nevin

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra at Hampden Park

Reuters

"Scotland have to open it up and get it wide, they have to score now or their qualification hopes are ended. The last five or 10 minutes have been a lot better, but Poland are looking very dangerous on the break."

Gerry Taggart

BBC Radio 5 live at Windsor Park

"It's been good positive play from the lads. As long as they keep pushing up the pitch looking for the ball off Josh Magennis, Northern Ireland will continue to cause problems.

"There are big question marks around the Greece defence. Sooner or later they'll make a mistake, so the home side have to keep the pressure high."

CLOSE!

Gordon Strachan wears the look of a man trying to solve a quadratic equation. or trying to remember if he locked the back door. Problems.

And almost more problems as Poland again sweep upfield, they free Jakub Blaszczykowski on the right of the penalty area and his low shot is inches wide...

Chris McLaughlin

BBC Sport Scotland

"Scotland push and probe, left and right but every attack simply crashes against the Polish defensive wall. Gordon Strachan's side need to find an extra gear because the visitors look very comfortable at the moment."

Follow the Scotland game here.

CLOSE!

The best bit of play all night for Northern Ireland! Stuart Dallas drives at the Greek defence and his low cross is hastily swiped at by a white shirt. Josh Magennis reacts well to power in a drive but Vangelis Moras makes a superb block. Electric, you could say.

Jamie Ward then smashes over from 25 yards. Windsor Park on standby...

DISALLOWED GOAL

Reuters

Mesut Ozil possibly touches in a lovely low Thomas Muller cross - but the Arsenal man had strayed a yard or two offside. Reprieve for the hosts. Even if he didn't, he was directly obstructing the keeper's view, very much interfering with play.

The George Best, 'Spirit in the Sky' chant gets a strong rendition around Windsor Park as the hosts continue to press hard. There is a lack of quality and conviction up front though. Josh Magennis is a game lone striker but his touch and awareness are lacking so far. They can't keep hold of it.

Poland continue to look so dangerous on the break. Scotland in a mess.

Ilkay Gundogan has a shot deflected just over the crossbar as Germany continue their utter dominance. A goal for the men in white looks a matter of time. 

Former Northern Ireland defender John O'Neill on BBC Radio Ulster: "Northern Ireland don't have to go gung-ho. If the Greeks want to play the game at a slower pace we can afford to bide our time."

Thank you Faroes...

Now this is interesting... 

The Faroe Islands have just gone ahead against Hungary, meaning that as it stands, whatever happens at Windsor Park tonight, Northern Ireland will have qualified for next summer's Euro 2016 finals.

Can the Faroe Islands hold on in Budapest? They've already beaten Greece twice...

A sentence to go with our 'I never thought...' theme.

A goal for the Faroe Islands has just been celebrated in Belfast...

Chris McLaughlin

BBC Sport Scotland

"The Poles have conceded just seven goals in eight games so far in group D and might fancy their chances of defending this lead. They continue to press though as the Scotland players struggle to get a foot hold in this game."

Gerry Taggart

BBC Radio 5 live at Windsor Park

Reuters

"Northern Ireland are letting Greece play the ball around the back but as soon as it reaches midfield the pressure is on from Steven Davis and Stuart Dallas.

"It's important they keep it nice and calm. Even though they're closing the ball down well, the home side don't want a rush of blood to the head when they're in possession."

Germany have started, well, like world champions. Stroking the ball about like they own it. Marco Reus has a shot blocked before Jerome Boateng heads over.

Scotland out as it stands

Reuters