06/11/2002. Ireland boss Mick McCarthy was delighted to see his players book a place in the last 16 of the World Cup after victory over Saudi Arabia, and revealed that the opening goal of the 3-0 win was down to hard work on the training ground.

Throughout the game, the Irish worked well down the flanks, but Gary Kelly's cross for Robbie Keane to volley home had been planned.

He said, "It's something we worked on - getting in behind them. They (Saudi Arabia) played well in the first half but in the second half I thought we were excellent. It was a big game and it's great to go through. The lads responded really well."

"Everyone has been telling us all week what a big game it was. You want to try sitting in that dug-out when your backside's on the bacon slicer!"