Germany defender Mats Hummels: 'Blame me for Republic of Ireland defeat'

Germany defender Mats Hummels has shouldered the blame for Shane Long's winner in Thursday's 1-0 Euro 2016 qualifying defeat away to the Republic of Ireland.

Joachim Low's side missed the chance to win Group D and guarantee themselves a place in Euro 2016 when the Southampton striker pounced on a moment of indecision from the Borussia Dortmund man on 70 minutes to snatch a shock home win.

"Something happened that can happen against these teams," Hummels told RTL.

"We had a lot of the ball and created several chances. We did not allow them many chances, but the one big chance they had, they converted.

"It is a long ball and I was too slow there. Maybe one, two steps. I am not the only one, but I take that as my fault."

The world champions sit top of the group, one point clear of Poland and Ireland in second and third ahead of their final qualifier at home to fifth-placed Georgia on Sunday.

One point would see Low and his side qualify automatically.