YOKOHAMA, Japan, June 11 (UPI) -- Robbie Keane scored early to take the pressure off and Damien Duff added an insurance effort Tuesday as Ireland blanked Saudi Arabia, 3-0, and moved into the last 16 of the World Cup.
Going into the game, Ireland knew it might need to win by at least two goals to secure a berth in the second round. As it developed, a one-goal victory would have been enough. But the Irish made sure by getting off to an excellent start.
Gary Kelly's cross from the right wing in the seventh minute set up Keane. The Leeds United striker rocketed home a volley from 15 yards out to collect his second goal in as many matches.
The second goal came from defender Gary Breen, who scored his sixth international marker in the 61st minute.
Duff, who exasperated the Saudi defense with his second-half runs down the left wing, made it 3-0 when the wet ball deflected off the hands of goalkeeper Mohammed Al Deayea and into the net.
Saudi Arabia's unproductive World Cup came to an end with no goals and 12 given up. The Saudis did bounce back, however, from a disastrous 8-0 loss to Germany in their first match.
Ireland, which began its World Cup in controversy with the dismissal from the team of captain Roy Keane, will play next Sunday against the winner of Group B. That will be Spain if the Spanish can simply earn a tie against South Africa on Wednesday.
