Republic of Ireland defender Gary Breen said today the team are determined to "finish the job" next Tuesday and qualify for the second round of the World Cup finals.
Yesterday's dramatic 1-1 draw with Germany has given Mick McCarthy's side a great chance of progressing from Group E, and they will approach their final match against Saudi Arabia full of confidence.
McCarthy gave his players the day off today. Most of them visited Tokyo Disneyland. McCarthy will travel to Saitama to watch Cameroon play Saudis Arabia.
Breen said: "We're confident now of reaching the knockout stages. We were obviously determined anyway coming into the campaign, but we've a strong squad.
"The aim now is to finish things off on Tuesday. Before we came here we thought we could get out of the group, and despite all the turmoil, hopefully we can still do that.
"It's going to be difficult. I don't expect the Saudis to be as open as they were against Germany when they lost 8-0. I'm sure they're going to get people behind the ball because they won't want to experience another beating, but it's important we get an early goal against them."
Breen added: "I've had some good games, but this one [against Germany yesterday] was my most enjoyable, particularly to do it on the world stage because it's something I've always dreamed about, playing for Ireland in a World Cup.
"If I wasn't here then I would be jumping all over the place either here at the stadium, or back home watching it.
"The second half was frustrating. we had a few chances and then when Kahn made that fantastic from Damien Duff you start thinking that maybe it's not going to be, but the lads just kept going.
"We kept saying to one another 'keep going until the final whistle' and fortunately we got the goal at the end.
"I would say this is the most emotional night of my career. I'm not that emotional a person but this is a dream come true.
"Ten years ago I was watching at home and dreaming about playing in the games, and now I'm sure there will be lads dreaming about taking our places as well."
Midfielder Matt Holland praised the team's "never-say-die" spirit against the Germans but also warned against complacency when the Irish face the Saudis.
He said: "It was a terrific result. The important thing was we did not lose.
"Losing 1-0 with a couple of minutes to go, it looks like our chances of progressing are going to be slim. But we kept battling, the spirit was fantastic, while the fans were exceptional.
"They got right behind us throughout the game and we got the result we wanted in the end.
"So from maybe being out of the competition at one point we are still very much in it. We need to win the last game now, that's for sure and with five points you hope you should be able to go through."
PA
