The struggling nation relieved Giovanni Trapattoni of his managerial duties after September’s losses to Sweden and Austria. Despite outlining a number of candidates for the vacant spot, Ireland Under 21 boss Noel King takes up the reins for the clash with DFB.
Ireland currently sit fourth in Group C and can only make next summer’s World Cup via a mathematical miracle. A win for Germany guarantees Joachim Loew’s unbeaten side a place in Brazil, ensuring the home team are unlikely to take their foot off the gas just yet.
Germany's task against the Republic of Ireland is fairly simple. Win or draw and you can start making travel plans for Brazil next summer. Unless the Germans slip-up massively, it's next to impossible for Sweden to catch them from their second place position, so at least we can avoid too much fancy math.
Germany vs Ireland October 11, 2013
Ireland are not yet eliminated from contention but it's going to take a wins in their final two matches and a whole lot of luck as well for them to avoid missing the World Cup. Interim manager Noel King will be missing Jonathan Walters and goalkeeper Kieren Westwood, but striker Robbie Keane is expected to play despite taking on knock on his ankle in training.
Germany will be without several players including Mario Gomez, Miroslav Klose, Lukas Podolski and Marco Reus, but there's still plenty of talent available including Mario Gotze and Mesut Özil.
Match Date/Time: 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
