The Republic of Ireland's World Cup 2002 odyssey continued after they overcame a spirited Saudi Arabia to claim a place in the last 16 with victory in Yokohama.

Robbie Keane fired the Irish into an early lead, but it was not until Gary Breen scored the all-important second goal in the 61st minute that Mick McCarthy's men could breathe easy.

Ireland were not at their fluent best against the Saudis, understandably displaying nerves in such a crucial tie.

They did enough to finish second in Group E behind Germany and will now face Spain, Paraguay or South Africa on Sunday.

With Ireland knowing that victory by a two-goal margin would make sure of their passage to the last 16, the emphasis was placed firmly on attack.

Ireland's adventurous approach soon paid dividends when Keane fired them into a seventh-minute lead. A sweeping crossfield pass by Steve Staunton fell to Gary Kelly, who quickly dispatched a left-foot cross. Keane had already started to shape up for the volley and he duly applied the finish.

The goal should have proved the springboard for more of the same from Ireland, but the Saudis acquitted themselves well to thwart any further threat.

Abdulaziz Al-Khathran, Nawaf Al-Temyat and Al-Hassan Al-Yami were particularly impressive for the Saudis. And just before the interval they fired a timely reminder to the Irish. Nawaf Al-Temyat's beautifully-weighted pass found Mohammed Al-Jahani, who rifled in a low shot which Shay Given fisted clear.

McCarthy brought on target man Niall Quinn for the ineffective Ian Harte at the start of the second half.

But Ireland's second goal came from a more unusual source, as defender Breen ghosted past two Saudi defenders to slot home superbly from Staunton's excellent free-kick. With Irish nerves finally settled, they went on to dominate the remainder of the game.

And the highly impressive Duff was rewarded for his tireless endeavour, blasting his ball through the fingers of Saudi keeper Mohammed Al-Daeyea with four minutes remaining.

Rep of Ireland
Shay Given, Steve Finnan, Steve Staunton (capt), Gary Breen, Ian Harte, Gary Kelly, Mark Kinsella, Matt Holland, Kevin Kilbane, Robbie Keane, Damien Duff.

Goals: Robbie Keane 7, Gary Breen 62, Damien Duff 87.

Saudi Arabia
Mohammed Al-Daeyea (capt), Mohammed Al-Jahani, Redha Tokar, Abdullah Suleiman Al-Zubromawi, Fouzi Al-Shehri, Ibrahim Al-Shahrani, Hussein Al-Sulimani, Abdulaziz Al-Khathran, Khamis Al-Owairan Al Dossari, Nawaf Al-Temyat, Al-Hassan Al-Yami.

Attendance: 65,320.

Referee: Falla Ndoye (Senegal)

Mick McCarthy insists that Roy Keane is 'fine' and team morale is 'brilliant' after the Republic of Ireland captain's extraordinary U-turn following his World Cup 2002 walk-out yesterday.

Keane sent shockwaves through the camp when he told manager McCarthy he wanted to go home, citing personal problems and concerns about his troublesome knee as the reasons.

The Manchester United star only changed his mind after Celtic's Colin Healy had been called into the squad as his replacement.

McCarthy was upbeat after his captain and squad trained together at their base in Saipan, saying: 'Roy trained this morning and is absolutely fine. 'He has had a change of heart and I am delighted. He should be playing in the World Cup because he is one of the best players in the world.

'Roy plays for one of the biggest clubs in the world week in, week out, and I have no worries about him.'

McCarthy rejected suggestions that Keane's walk-out had been connected with yesterday's bust-ups with coaches Pat Bonner and Ian Evans.