John O'Shea scores in the final minute of stoppage time to earn Republic of Ireland a shock point against world champions Germany in their Euro 2016 qualifier.

John O'Shea marked his 100th cap for the Republic of Ireland by scoring a 94th-minute equaliser to rescue a shock 1-1 draw against world champions Germany in a Euro 2016 qualifier this evening.

Republic of Ireland's defender John O'Shea celebrates scoring the last minute equalizer with his team-mates during the UEFA Euro 2016 Group D qualifying football match Germany vs Republic of Ireland in Gelsenkirchen, western Germany on October 14, 2014 © Getty Images

The hosts almost took the lead in spectacular fashion after just six minutes when Eric Durm unleashed a 30-yard half-volley that rattled the crossbar.

They created another chance less than 10 minutes later when Toni Kroos picked out Thomas Muller, who knocked the ball down for Antonio Rudiger, but the Stuttgart man nodded wide when he should have done better.

The visitors continued to frustrate Germany throughout the first half, with Matthias Ginter and Julian Draxler squandering their best chances before the break.

Lukas Podolski was introduced at the break for the hosts and almost made a difference within five minutes as his deflected effort was tipped past the post by David Forde.

Forde was tested twice in quick succession shortly afterwards as Germany's pressure began to build, first denying Karim Bellarabi before turning a Kroos effort over the top.

Germany's midfielder Toni Kroos and Germany´s midfielder Karim Bellarabi celebrate during the UEFA Euro 2016 Group D qualifying football match Germany vs Republic of Ireland in Gelsenkirchen, western Germany on October 14, 2014 © Getty Images

The pressure finally told with just under 20 minutes remaining as Kroos was afforded too much space on the ball, shifting it onto his right foot before firing a perfectly placed 25-yard effort past the keeper and in off the post.

It was almost 2-0 with 10 minutes remaining as Muller's clever pass found Mario Gotze, but Forde was out quickly to make a fine save.

Ireland came close to a shock late equaliser when Aiden McGeady's cross found Wes Hoolahan inside the box, but he was denied by a superb piece of defending from Jerome Boateng.

Martin O'Neill's side would not be denied a hard-earned point, however, as O'Shea marked his century in dramatic fashion, volleying in a 94th-minute equaliser to stun the world champions.

The result means that Ireland remain joint top of Group D on seven points, while Germany stay fourth having won just one of their three matches.