MICK McCarthy's record-breaking Republic of Ireland heroes scored the two clear goals needed to guarantee their place in the last 16 - then added another for good luck!

Their 3-0 victory over luckless Saudi Arabia was the first time in 11 previous World Cup matches they have ever scored more than one and 10,000 Irish fans went wild with delight.

So Ireland qualify in second place, with Germany topping the Group E after their 2-0 win over unlucky Cameroon, who now miss out.

Ireland are now to be rewarded with their brave efforts with a likely second round clash with one of the tournament favourites Spain, who should head Group B ahead of South Africa.

The Saudis, with no points and no goals from their opening two matches and with nothing but pride left to play for, gave Ireland a tough fight early on.

Gary Breen struck in the 60th minute and Damien Duff added another just before the end after Robbie Keane's seventh minute strike gave them a dream start.

Goal machine Keane's extravagant celebration signalled his delight at the early breakthrough.