Ireland secured their berth in the World Cup playoffs Tuesday with a convincing 3:0 win over Saudi Arabia, finishing second overall in Group E, with five points, behind Germany. Robbie Keane, the hero from the teams tie with the Germans struck first in the 7th minute, with a volley from a Gary Kelly cross that rocketed past keeper Mohammed Al-Deayea.

However, the Saudis were not going down easy and created chances of their own throughout the half. Playmaker Nawaf Al-Temyat created many openings and set up Mohammed Al-Jahani with a shot, just before the period ended, which had goalkeeper Shay Given scrambling.

Fifteen minutes into the second half, Gary Breen connected with a free kick by captain Steve Staunton and gave Al-Deayea no chance as he put the Irish two up. Damien Duff added the third three minutes from time when the Saudi keeper misread a powerful drive and allowed it into the net, to guarantee Ireland's 3:0 win. (Chris Price, chris@chosun.com )