WATCH: Joe Schmidt hopes for ‘Super Sunday of Irish sport’ after soccer surprise

Schmidt hailed the effort and enthusiasm produced at the Aviva.

By Stephen Barry and Shaun Cronin

Joe Schmidt is an official Irishman so it was no surprise that he was delighted to see the national soccer team defeat Germany last night.

The world champions were taken down on Irish soil and Schmidt hailed the effort and enthusiasm produced on the night, as well as the skill of Shane Long in unleashing the winning strike.

“It was a super effort. Shane Long’s touch and finish were exceptional and you have to take your hat off to that kind of skill,” said Schmidt.

“It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm around that and they are up again on Sunday evening, after us. It would be great to have a genuine super Sunday of Irish sport.

“I think Martin O'Neill will be delighted with last night's result but he will already have turned the page and will be trying to decipher how best to do the same thing to Poland. I think it will be a great Sunday for sport, particularly for Irish fans.”

Schmidt wasn’t the only man in the rugby camp talking soccer today, as full-back Rob Kearney also hopes to play his part in the first-half of an Irish sporting Sunday.

“The soccer boys did brilliantly, and it was great to see the Aviva full and everyone cheering.

“Shane Long produced an unbelievable finish to bring us back to Jack Charlton days of ‘kick it long and have a go’.

“But to beat the world champions at home was an incredible achievement for them, and hopefully now it's set up a great weekend for Irish sport.”

A Super Sunday of Irish sport? Wouldn’t that be just grand!