June 11 2002

Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland sailed through to the last 16 with a 3-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, leaving Clinton Morrison pleased.

Morrison was left on the bench as Mick McCarthy preferred to bring on fellow striker Niall Quinn, who replaced Ian Harte at half-time.

But Morrison was delighted with the result and being part of the successful Ireland squad which goes to the next phase.

He said: "I have really enjoyed the whole experience and can't wait to become involved personally but this tournament is all about the squad as a whole.

"It's great to be here on the World stage and who knows how far we can progress."

Robbie Keane put the Irish into an early lead in the seventh minute, volleying a Gary Kelly cross from the left.

Ireland searched for further goals to make sure of their passage to the next round and had to wait until the 62nd minute for a second.

Former Palace loanee Steve Staunton put a free-kick into the box and Gary Breen fired home.

And with three minutes to go, Damien Duff saw his shot go through the hands of the Saudi keeper to make it 3-0.

McCarthy said: "We played very well in the second half but first half, after getting a great start, we were very nervous. This was a big game for us.

"I think there was frustration on the pitch and off the pitch. We started to try and chase it and get that other goal.

"After we had a chat at half-time and made ourselves solid then we had a base to build on.

"We tried to chase the game earlier than we should have done.

"I thought we had to settle as a win would get us through and as it turned out that would have been enough."

Ireland are likely to face Spain in their next match on June 16.