Mick and Packie were at this one today, and they left the Saitama Stadium knowing exactly what the boys have to do if they are to qualify for the next round. But Saudi Arabia (Our final group E opponents, Yokohoma next Tuesday - 12.30 ko Irish Time), are still goalless and pointless, and theyre out of the World Cup 2002.
Both M & P will surely have been satisfied with Cameroon's narrow 1-0 victory, which means a win by two clear goals for The Republic of Ireland will guarantee a place in the last 16.
Mick was perhaps fortunate the Lions, and African Cup of Nations champions, did not win by a greater margin for they were denied a penalty, and had what appeared to be a legitimate goal by Arsenal star Lauren ruled out in the first half. But the Saudis played with pride and passion, and have now at least restored some of their confidence, which had been dramatically lost following their humiliating 8-0 defeat to Germany in their opening match.
They were lucky not to concede a penalty though, in the opening minute when "Ngom Kome" was clearly tripped in the area by "Al Jahani", only for the ref to wave away appeals. With skipper and star striker "Al Jaber" sidelined with an injury to his right ankle, "Al Dosari" took over the lone raider role up front, and should have headed home a free header in the ninth minute.
"Nawaf Al Temyat" then curled a shot narrowly wide before Lauren headed home a right-wing cross from "Geremi", but the flag went up for interference with play. And there are rumours that he’ll be going to Chelsea soon, from R.Madrid But finally on the 65 minute mark Cameroon finally took the lead. Again "Geremi's" raking pass over the top of the Saudi defence was first brilliantly taken on the run by Samuel "Eto'o", the Real Mallorca striker linked with a move to Spurs, and he then nutmegged captain Mohammed Al Deayea with a side foot shot from 10 yards. The Saudis did have second-half opportunities, noticeably through "Al Temyat", but the defeat ensures their game with Ireland will be their last of the competition.
The position with Cameroon is that they now need a win over Germany to see them through to the second round. But a draw for them, and a win for Ireland means that they will be joining the Saudis on an early plane home. Yes of course we all know only too well that the Republic of Ireland have never scored more than one goal in a major championships finals,that is, during normal time. And we have only one win in the World Cup finals in normal time, that over Italy in USA 1994 when Houghton scored in Giants Stadium, New York. However our other victory came in a penalty shoot-out against Romania in Italia 1990.
Teams on the day
Cameroon: Alioum, Wome, Tchato, Song, Kalla, Lauren, Foe, Kome, Geremi, Eto'o, Mboma. - Subs: Alnoudji, Djemba-Djemba, Epalle, Job, Kameni, Mettomo, N'Diefi, Ndo, Njanka, Olembe, Songo'o, Suffo.
Saudi Arabia: Al Daeyea, Al Jahani, Tukar, Zubromawi, Al Shehri, Sulimani, Al Khathran, Abdallah Al Shahrani, Ibrahim Al Shahrani, Al Temyat, Obeid Al Dossari. - Subs: Abdallah Al Dossari, Ahmed Al Dossari, Al Ghamdi, Al Jaber, Al Owairan, Al Shlhoub, Al Thagafi, Al Yami, Babkr, Harthi, Noor, Zaid.
And Finally after a lot of research!
The Republic of Irelands all time goal scorer, Niall Quinn has netted 21 for us. Click on the link below, and when you log on you can get to "Nialls goal page" by clicking on his picture at the bottom of the page..
Nialls Goal-page (all 21 of them) Back to current news page Republic of Ireland archive news Home
