Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has had praise heaped upon him after Ireland's historic 3-0 victory over Saudi Arabia this afternoon.
Controversial soccer pundit Eamon Dunphy said McCarthy deserved huge credit for the resounding win.
"I think a lot of it is down to Mick McCarthy, I mean they only lost two of their last 23 matches, the Irish team - that's an outstanding performance, and they have done it playing good football as well. So he deserves a lot of credit," he told Sky News.
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Asked if he really meant it when he said he wanted Ireland to lose their opening match against Cameroon, Dunphy said: "Well I did at the time. I don't want them to lose."
"I change my mind frequently," he quipped.
Dunphy predicted Ireland would put up a strong performance against their likely opponents Spain.
"Whoever plays Ireland and whoever beats Ireland is going to get a match for 90."
"I don't think the Spanish will be all that delighted," he added.
Earlier the FAI chief executive Mr Brendan Menton insisted Mick McCarthy's decision to send Manchester United's inspirational skipper Roy Keane back home was justified.
"Mick has done a fantastic job and it was a very difficult decision to make as a manager, but there is no doubt now he made the right decision," he said.
"To come through with the African champions going out of the group - which was a group of death - and come through in second place is down to Mick McCarthy and his squad and the way he set out the team.
"It's hot out here, but he's done a fantastic job and we're proud of him and for him tonight. He truly deserves the success that has come tonight.
"It was a fantastic night and a fantastic result. The conditions were probably very humid compared to our first two games - it was a lot more humid here tonight."
Mr Menton is now looking forward to the likely second stage clash with much-fancied Spain and insists they have no reason to fear anybody.
He added: "In a one against one knockout situation we won't fear anybody.
"Spain will obviously be favourites, but I think with the spirit in the squad and support we'll get in Korea we don't fear anybody at this stage."
Former Republic of Ireland captain Andy Townsend believes Ireland have nothing to fear if they end up facing Spain on Sunday.
He said: "They will go into the game as favourites but that suits us.
"We're not expected to win or make the running."
Frank Stapleton also thinks McCarthy's men will not be fazed by the quality of opposition they will face in the next round.
He said: "Ireland are one of the teams no-one wants to meet because they are playing well.
"The Spanish will be very wary because they (Ireland) are an emerging team whose level is going up all the time in terms of world value - they can't underestimate them."
Additional reporting PA
