Germany’s England-based big guns came back for the quarter-final clash with the unfancied but hugely motivated USA.

World Cup Group E, IbarakiIreland v GermanySteve Staunton will take his place in football’s record books by becoming the first player to win 100 caps for the Republic of Ireland.

Steve Finnan has been given a starting place in the Ireland team to play Germany today. The Fulham right-back was a surprise omission in the opening Group E game against Cameroon on Saturday as Gary Kelly started in the Irish defence.