A deflected strike from Lukas Podolski earned Germany [Images] a 1-0 win over Ireland in their first qualifying match in almost three years on Saturday.

Germany were given a series of nervous moments by Ireland in their Euro 2008 [Images] qualifying Group D opener but clinched victory with a large slice of luck.

Miroslav Klose [Images] won a free kick on the edge of the box in the 57th minute, Bernd Schneider teed the ball up and Podolski's low drive hit the unlucky Robbie Keane and sneaked inside Shay Given's left-hand post.

The goal was greeted with roars of relief around the Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion, the scene of Germany's victory over Portugal in the third-place match at the World Cup, their last under former coach Juergen Klinsmann.

"That was a hard piece of work," Germany captain Michael Ballack [Images] said. "But we played with great discipline.

"There are no beauty prizes to win in qualifying. What counts is getting the three points."

Germany, who took their place at the World Cup automatically as hosts, were swiftly reintroduced to the rigours of qualifying, with Ireland making their presence felt with a series of biting tackles.

Ireland almost took the lead in the second minute when Steve Finnan crossed deep from the left and picked out Keane to head just wide and the home side, featuring a patched-up defence, had many more nervous moments.

Germany gradually settled and looked unfortunate not to win a penalty in the 13th minute when Ballack flicked a quick ball through the middle for Podolski and Stephen Carr appeared to clear with his hand.

GERMAN PRESSURE

The Germans then had an excellent spell that should have brought them at least one goal.

It started in the 25th minute when Ballack broke forward and sent in a skidding shot that deflected wide.

Three minutes later, Given had to palm away Klose's header and within 60 seconds the keeper had to pull off an even better save from a thunderous Podolski shot from 25 metres.

Ireland had another good chance at the start of the second half when Jens Lehmann fumbled a Steven Reid free kick but Germany were soon back in control.

Klose showed a great touch to turn inside the area and force another fine save from Given.

Twelve minutes into the second half, the reward for all the pressure came as Keane's intervention left Given with no chance.

There were further good chances for Klose, who smacked a header against the bar, and Bastian Schweinsteiger, who hit the bar with a long-range effort.

Germany's failure to get a second goal almost cost them, as Richard Dunne headed just over the bar form a corner in the final minute.

"It just showed how cruel the game can be," said Ireland manager Steve Staunton, who was sent off for protesting in the second half. "Look at the goal -- it was going well wide and took a cruel deflection."

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