Should Ireland's fans have been surprised by last nights win over Germany? 

For any of the 50,604 fans that were at the game and read the match programme a statistic on page 17. "The Republic of Ireland have twice beaten Germany when they were World Cup holders: 3-0 at Dalymount Park on 25th November 1956 and 2-0 in Hanover on 29th May 1994." 

West Germany and Germany are the only two sides Ireland have ever beaten who were the reigning World champions at the time. The first of those two wins came in 1956. Goals from Noel Cantwell, Joe Haverty and Jimmy McCann were enough to seal a famous 3-0 win.

The second win came in 1994 in a World Cup warm up game in Hanover less than a month before the tournament began. Tony Cascarino and Gary Kelly scored the goals as both teams eventually got knocked before the semi finals at the World Cup.

Overall, Ireland's record against West Germany and Germany as World Champions reads as Played 5, Won 3, Lost 1, Drew 1.