'Immense' Walters fires Irish to the finals

Falling short of Germany and Poland in UEFA EURO 2016 Group D was no disgrace – and Martin O'Neill's Republic of Ireland promptly kept their composure to navigate a testing play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Overall, the Irish dealt admirably with a tough hand and actually came within a final group matchday of automatic qualification for their third UEFA European Championship. Despite losing in Scotland, the Republic's impressive 1-1 draw in Gelsenkirchen and 1-0 home victory over world champions Germany had given O'Neill and assistant Roy Keane's charges the chance to progress in their climactic Group D game in Poland.

In the event, a 2-1 defeat in Warsaw consigned Ireland to third place and the play-offs. Bosnia and Herzegovina looked another sizeable hurdle yet Robbie Brady grabbed the away goal in foggy Zenica and though the Bosnians mustered a late equaliser, the Irish once more struck first in Dublin via Jon Walters' penalty. When Walters scored a second, it sealed Ireland's glory and made the big forward their joint-top qualifying marksman alongside Robbie Keane.

Reaction
 Martin O'Neill, Republic of Ireland manager
This is a special night. Jon Walters has had a tournament to remember. He has been absolutely fantastic. There were a number of very decent performance but Walters was exceptional. I'm delighted and thrilled for myself and for the players, they put their heart and soul into all the games.

It was a very special moment when the referee blew the whistle and we were in France. The players will bring their pride to France, they are a fantastic bunch that want to play for their country. Tonight they gave everything, I don't think they had anything left. The esteem I hold these players in couldn't be higher. Going to France is also great for players like Seamus Coleman, a top, top player that missed the last EURO and has never been in a big tournament.

John O'Shea, Republic of Ireland defender
Jonathan Walters was immense for us tonight – two very important goals – but also the back four and Darren Randolph; we were put under immense pressure but the boys stood up very well, like we did in Bosnia. Big credit to everyone – it's a special night. We didn't think we could top that [beating Germany at home], but the atmosphere tonight in the stadium was incredible. We know our fans will travel everywhere to support us and thankfully they don't have to travel too far now [to France].

Jon Walters, Republic of Ireland striker
There was a whole team of heroes out there. We got there in the end. It is the best moment of my career in any shirt – to qualify for the European Championship finals is unbelievable. You've got to take in this atmosphere. These moments don't come around in a career very often. The management team deserve lots of credit – they have been excellent throughout the campaign.

Robbie Brady, Republic of Ireland defender
The fact we're going to EURO 2016 is unbelievable. I'm still in shock – it's the sort of thing you dream about. Everyone involved was excellent and now we're off to France. My set pieces were dire before the one which set up Jon Walters' second, but he stuck with it and he put that one away. I'm ecstatic. We never seem to do things the easy way, yet when things got tough, we stuck together and ground out those results. Tonight is the best moment of my career.

Darren Randolph, Republic of Ireland goalkeeper
It's unbelievable – I couldn't have written that script. Thankfully I got to play some games and we're through. That's all that matters.

Shay Given, injured Republic of Ireland goalkeeper
It's phenomenal for the country, a great night. The team spirit has been one of the biggest strengths and we haven't got a superstar. We're all in it together and you see Robbie Keane celebrating just as much as anyone as if he was in the team. Every single player is proud to put on the jersey and you can see what it means to them.

Key stats
Best result: group stage 1988, 2012
 Coach: Martin O'Neill
Leading scorer: all-time – Robbie Keane (67); current – Robbie Keane (67)
 Most appearances: all-time – Robbie Keane (143); current – Robbie Keane (143)

Record EURO appearances
Overall: Robbie Keane (47)
Final tournament: 23 players (3)

Record EURO goals
Overall: Robbie Keane (23)
Final tournament: Ray Houghton, Ronnie Whelan, Sean St Ledger (1)