A last-gasp strike from Robbie Keane earned Ireland a draw in their Group E clash with Germany in Ibaraki.
The Germans looked to have made it two wins out of two thanks to Miroslav Klose's first half header.
But with time running out Robbie Keane met Niall Quinn's knock down in the box before firing past Oliver Kahn to give Mick McCarthy's men a real chance of making the second round.
Earlier today Portugal became the latest casualty of World Cup upsets after they were beaten 3-2 by the USA in Suwon.
The Americans stormed into a three-goal lead in the opening 36 minutes although they were made to work for their victory as the Portuguese fought back with two goals of their own.
Bruce Arena's side found themselves in front after just four minutes when John O'Brien fired home from close range from a corner.
Landon Donovan doubled the lead with half an hour played when his shot from an angle took a wicked deflection off Jorge Costa and into Vitor Baia's net.
Brian McBride's diving header made it three although Portugal pulled a goal back in the 39th minute when Beto hammered home from Luis Figo's corner.
The USA were given a fright when Jeff Agoos volleyed into his own net with 20 minutes to play but they managed to hold on and claim an historic victory, leaving Portugal's world superstars to reflect on a disastrous result.
Two second half goals ensured Russia made a winning start to their World Cup campaign against Tunisia in Kobe.
The win takes Russia to the top of Group H after Belgium's draw with Japan yesterday.
Goalkeeper Ali Boumnijel was at fault for Russia's first when his poor throw fell to Marat Izmailov and then eventually to Yegor Titov, who slotted home in the 59th minute.
Russia added a second minutes later when substitute Dmitriy Sychyov was upended in the box by Radhi Jaidi. Valeri Karpin made no mistake from the spot to send Russia to the summit of Group H.
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