Rich reward for Martin O’Neill’s bravery

This wasn’t just about the Republic of Ireland qualifying for the knockout stages of Euro 2016. This was about crossing a Rubicon.

For the first time in six major tournaments, a team representing this country won a game in a World Cup or European Championship that they had to absolutely, positively win over the course of 90 minutes.

This was win-or-bust stuff and the sight of Robbie Brady spreading his arms and letting loose the waterworks as he celebrated his 85th-minute winner encapsulated perfectly the release felt by player, team and a nation at large.