The Republic of Ireland booked their place in the World Cup second round with a 3-0 win over Saudi Arabia today.
Goals from Robbie Keane, Gary Breen and Damien Duff secured the victory for Mick McCarthy's side at a rain-lashed Yokohama International Stadium.
Qualification capped a superb first-round performance for Ireland, left in turmoil after talismanic skipper Roy Keane was kicked out of the squad on the eve of the tournament.
They now face a second round match against the winner of Group B, either Spain or South Africa.
Keane's second goal of the tournament, following his equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Germany last week, came after Ireland poured forward from the whistle.
A looping Gary Kelly cross from the right flank fell invitingly to the Leeds striker just inside the penalty area, who angled his body perfectly before thumping in a ferocious right-foot volley.
But although Ireland controlled possession they struggled to seriously test Saudi Arabia keeper Mohammed al-Deayea for much of the first half.
Midfielder Kevin Kilbane tried an ambitious shot from just outside the area which skidded along the sodden turf, but al-Deayea gathered safely.
At the other end Shay Given had to be on his toes midway through the half when Saudi midfielder Abdulaziz Khathran sent a well-struck swerving shot goalwards.
Saudi Arabia's best player in the opening 45 minutes was former Asian footballer of the year Nawaf al-Temyat, who made several lively incursions into Irish territory.
Close to half-time Saudi wingback Mohammed al-Jahani embarrassed opposite number Ian Harte down the left flank, ghosting past the Leeds man before smashing a shot that Given beat away at the near-post.
Ireland started the second half strongly, and could have gone ahead when a promising build-up down the right involving Duff ended with Keane hooking a shot wide.
They got their second goal from a freekick awarded wide out on the left.
Skipper Steve Staunton's set-piece delivery into the Saudi penalty area caused panic and Breen popped up to jab home past al-Deayea on 61 minutes.
Duff finally got the goal his rampaging wing play deserved three minutes from time, his firm drive being fumbled by al-Deayea and squirting into the net.
AFP