Ireland make it through

Ireland are in the World Cup second round after a 3-0 victory over Saudi Arabia this afternoon.

Mick McCarthy's players were the toast of offices, pubs and sports bars from Cork to Kilburn as they triumphed in a rain-sodden Yokohama stadium.

It means Ireland have progressed further than defending champions France who were eliminated today without scoring a goal. But Ireland will probably face Spain.

Leeds United's Robbie Keane, injury time hero against Germany, gave them the lead after seven minutes and London-born Gary Breen scored a historic second goal - the first time Ireland have scored more than one goal in a World Cup finals match. Damien Duff added a third.

Germany also got through to the next round. England now know that if they progress tomorrow they will face either Senegal or Denmark.

Meanwhile, England fans had mixed reactions to the shock exit of France. Carl Stillman, 37, a sales manager from Kingston, who will go to tomorrow's England match against Nigeria in Osaka, said: "I am very happy the French have gone out, first because they are strong, and second that old England-French thing.

"If we play like we did against Argentina, we can make it all the way to the final but with England, you never know." David Connolly, 45, a businessman from Croydon, said: "I am only concerned about England. If you are going to win the World Cup, you have got to beat what is put in front of you."

Three and easy for Ireland
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