John O'Shea was overwhelmed after he scored a dramatic injury-time equaliser to secure Republic of Ireland a point in their Euro 2016 qualifier against world champions Germany in Gelsenkirchen.
A below-par Germany -- who were aiming to bounce back from a shock defeat against Poland on Saturday -- failed to finish off Ireland after Toni Kroos scored a 71st-minute opener, with Sunderland defender O'Shea the unlikely hero for the Irish on a night when he claimed his 100th international cap for his country.
"It was a very special moment," O'Shea told Sky Sports. "This group has a fantastic spirit and we didn't want to come off losing 1-0 and everyone saying we did OK.
"We knew that if we did go a goal down, we could still have a chance. It was very pleasing and what a special night. Thankfully I was able to play my part at the end.
"The manager put me forward with a couple of minutes to go and thankfully I was able to stick it away. It was big credit to the lads in front of me tonight because the way we played in the first half especially was very determined, very dogged.
"It was a big, big performance for us tonight and we showed little bits of quality when we came out to play. It makes it a bit more special that we got something out of the game and we can carry that momentum forward to Scotland away [next month].
"Once they get that goal it was a big blow to us. Towards the end of the game, we are looking to catch them on the counter attack when they are looking to get that first goal and they got it with maybe 20 minutes to go.
"We had to come out a bit more and take some chances. We brought on Wes Hoolahan, we brought on Darron Gibson and put Jonny Walters through the middle and Aiden out wide. James [McClean] and Aiden were giving them trouble all night."
O'Shea said he would cherish the shirt worn on his 100th appearance for his country considering it was marked with just dramatic circumstance.
"I think we have to find a frame for this shirt," he added. "I'm not one for putting stuff up on any mantelpieces, but this one could be heading for my Mam and Dad's house."
Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill hailed his side's resilience, as they secured a draw that keeps them three points clear of Germany in Group D and level on points with Poland at the top of the standings.
"It was a terrific effort and our spirit carried us through," stated O'Neill. "We were backs to the wall in the first half and we had a plan to try and thwart them as much as we can. At the same time, when we had the ball ourselves, we wanted to try and manoeuvre it and we struggled to do that.
"Once we went behind, I didn't mind if we conceded by two, three or four, as long as we try to get something out of the game. Until the very, very end, we kept going.
"You couldn't have written that script for John O'Shea. He gets the goal, wearing the captain's armband on night when he wins his 100th cap. I'm delighted for him."