ROVERS star Damien Duff capped a sparkling performance with the third goal in an Irish victory over Saudi Arabia, one that sees them go through to the second round.
Duff broke in from the left-wing and his cracking shot slipped through the hands of the Saudi keeper to put the Irish safely into the last sixteen.
The Irish went two up after 61 minutes with a Gary Breen header as he got on the end of a free-kick unchallenged in the middle of the Saudi six yard box.
After just six minutes Robbie Keane cracked home an Ian Harte cross from close to the penalty spot, to give the Irish the perfect start.
But Saudi Arabia had the chances to equalise during the first-half keeping Given busy in the Irish goal.
Ireland boss Mick McCarthy introduced Niall Quinn for Ian Harte at half-time to help Damien Duff and Robbie Keane.
"I thought the smaller lads were being bullied out of it and Quinny gave us a target and something to aim at," he said.
"He's a threat, not only in the air but he can hold it up for us too."
McCarthy also praised Blackburn's Duff, who capped his display with the third goal and his first of the Finals.
"Some people think his best position is wide left and maybe it is but he gives a different option when he plays through the middle," he said.
"His second half performance was brilliant and he deserved his goal."
The former Republic of Ireland striker Frank Stapleton believes Damien Duff has been the star of the Republic's World cup so far.
"It has lifted the whole country," said Stapleton, after watching Robbie Keane, Gary Breen and Duff find the net in Yokohama to set up a second round clash with Spain or South Africa on Sunday.
"Duff has had the edge and he has frightened defenders to death.
"I just think he has been the one who was going to be the biggest star for Ireland. The goal was a fluke but he deserved it more than anyone.
"I just always believed they would get through. If they hadn't played very well and got through no one would have cared.
"The Spanish will be worried," he told Sky Sports News.
Saudi Arabia's disastrous World Cup finally ended, recording three defeats, scoring no goals and conceding 12.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article