We can beat favourites Germany, insists Ireland captain Robbie Keane

Replublic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane declares Giovanni Trapattoni's side can beat Germany at the Aviva Stadium

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By TSR staff Saturday 8 September 2012, 10:44 UK

Robbie Keane scored his 54th goal for Ireland against KazakhstanPhoto: Kelvin Gillmor

robbie keane

Robbie Keane believes the Republic of Ireland can win their next World Cup qualifier against Germany at the Aviva Stadium on 12 October.

Giovanni Trapattoni’s side secured a fortuitous 2-1 victory over Kazakhstan in their opening qualifying fixture, with late goals from Keane and Kevin Doyle overturning the home side’s lead.

Ireland, who finished bottom of Group C at Euro 2012, face Oman in a friendly at Craven Cottage on Tuesday, before welcoming Joachim Löw’s side to Dublin next month.

“We’re always confident of winning against anyone at home, regardless of who they are,” said Keane.

“Germany are the favourites and are probably a better team than we are but if we give it everything we can get the win.

“It will be a completely different game. Germany will want to come out and try to win the game whereas Kazakhstan sat back and defended as one.

“We will be at home in front of our fans as well so it will be a good opportunity for us.”

The visitors fell behind in the first half when Kairat Nurdauletov’s header beat Kieren Westwood in Ireland’s goal.

Trapattoni’s side looked to be heading towards an embarrassing defeat until the 89th minute, when Keane scored his 54th goal for Ireland from the penalty spot to restore parity.

And the Irish completed a sensational comeback when substitute Doyle volleyed past the Kazakhstan goalkeeper to give the Men in Green all three points.

“It wasn’t a good performance but at the end of the day it doesn’t matter. We have three points on the board,” Keane added.

“We had the same situation last time around when we played Armenia [during Euro 2012 qualification].

“We won the game and people said it wasn’t a good performance. It wasn’t, and I think it’s going to be the same for us with what happened in Kazakhstan.

“Kazakhstan is going to be a tough place for teams to come – to play in those conditions on that Astroturf pitch after such a big flight and time difference, I’m sure teams will find it hard here.”