Robbie Brady said it was the "best feeling in the world" to have hit a late winner for the Republic of Ireland to beat Italy 1-0 and secure passage into the knockout rounds of Euro 2016.
With Ireland needing a win to advance and still level in the closing minutes, Wes Hoolahan played a perfect cross into the Italy penalty area and Brady nodded home to give his team an 85th-minute lead they would not relinquish.
The emotions were impossible to contain for Republic players, with Brady admitting the finish was something he'd dreamed of since being a child.
"To have a look around and see what it means to everyone involved and me included," Brady said after the match. "I grew up waiting to play at this stage, dreaming about it since I was a little kid. To go and do it in front of my family is the best feeling in the world.
"My body sort of carried my legs into the box and just trusting where to put it. I managed to get my head on it and I'm lost for words really. I'm over the moon, emotional. It's unbelievable.
"What a moment for everyone involved. We said we were going to do a job for everyone out here and we did it, we made history.''
Midfielder James McClean was also emotional following the result that sees Ireland make it to the last 16 as a third-placed finisher in Group E, setting up a knockout round match with hosts France on June 26 in Lyon (3 p.m. CET/9 a.m. ET, ESPN).
"You can't put it into words. The passion; there are grown men crying with complete love for a country. It is quite remarkable,'' McClean said.
"We knew it was win or bust and we gave it everything and we left nothing on the field. It is my best night on a football field, hands down.''
Information from PA Sport was used in this story.