Ireland are through to the second round of the World Cup after a nervous 3-0 victory over a lacklustre Saudi Arabia. The country came to a ninety-minute standstill for the crunch clash.
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| The scorer of Ireland's second goal, Gary Breen (2ndR) celebrates the second goal against Saudi Arabia with team mates Niall Quinn (R), Gary Kelly (L), Matt Holland (2ndL) and Robbie Keane (top) Photograph: Reuters |
The Republic secured their place in the next round with goals by Robbie Keane, Gary Breen and Damien Duff. Mick McCarthy's men had to win by two clear goals to be sure of progressing to the second round of the tournament. Most businesses across the country put facilities in place to allow workers watch the game, while publicans hosted thousands of fans who cheered on the boys in green on the big screen. At least 8,000 Irish fans watched the game in Tokyo's Yokohama stadium.Mick McCarthy left big man Niall Quinn on the bench for the kick off naming the following team: Given, Finnan, Breen, Staunton, Harte, Kelly, Holland, Kinsella, Kilbane, Duff, and Keane. Quinn came on after half time to replace Ian Harte, while Jason McAteer replaced Gary Kelly during the second half.The Gleneagles Hotel in Killarney, Co Kerry, has claimed to have the biggest screen in Ireland - at 60 square metres, showing to an audience of 2,500, complete with a half-time question-and-answer session involving former Irish international John Aldridge.And the RDS in Dublin will be the centre for 1,000 supporters to see the game after a champagne reception and a full Irish breakfast, with pre-match jazz entertainment.Fans in Japan face an agonising prospect for now as many were due to head back to Ireland tomorrow and Thursday. They will be unable to follow the team to Korea because of waiting jobs and dwindling finances.Our most likely opponents in the next round would be Spain, if that country wins its group. This match will be played at 12.30 p.m. on Sunday.
Additional reporting PA
