Soccer: Confident Germans eye last 16

IBARAKI - Still glowing from their record-breaking 8-0 defeat of Saudi Arabia, Germany are confident that they can extend their superb start to the World Cup against Ireland tonight.

The triple world champions will make sure of reaching the round of 16 if they won their second group E match against a side still chewing over the sending home of captain Roy Keane.

"We realise that Ireland will be a lot tougher than Saudi Arabia but I am convinced we will take the opportunity we have to qualify," said assistant Germany coach Michael Skibbe.

Ireland started with a gritty 1-1 draw against Cameroon last Saturday and are showing a defiant face to the outside world following the pre-tournament furore over Keane.

"Why should we be afraid after we have come through a group containing Holland and Portugal, who are by all accounts stronger than Germany are at the moment?" asked Ireland coach Mick McCarthy, referring to his team's brilliant run in qualifying.

"We will give them the respect they deserve but when the game kicks off, that respect will go."

German coach Rudi Voeller said he had been impressed by Ireland's spirited performance against Cameroon and played down the significance of the Germans' win over a dismal Saudi Arabia side.

"The only thing that matters is that we picked up three points against a team who will probably end the tournament with none," he said.

Dietmar Hamann knows most the Irish players from his English premier league experience with Liverpool.

He said the fact that Keane had gone home was a bonus for Germany, because it was bound to have an effect eventually.

Voeller has a full squad to choose from. Marko Rehmer, who was on the bench last Saturday because of a groin injury, has been able to train normally since then, and fellow defender Carsten Ramelow was also reported to be fully fit after hurting a thigh muscle against Saudi Arabia.

Rehmer could come in for Christoph Metzelder but otherwise, Voeller is unlikely to change the starting formation he fielded against Saudi Arabia.

Michael Ballack, recapturing his best form after nursing a sore foot, will orchestrate play and Miroslav Klose, who fired the third hat-trick of his short international career last Saturday, will start up front again.

Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given should be able to play despite picking up a minor hip injury in a collision against Cameroon.

Midfielder Jason McAteer, who had to be substituted at halftime after suffering a knock on his left knee, joined in light training yesterday and could also start the match.

The Ibaraki game will be a special occasion for veteran defender Steve Staunton.

The only player in the Irish squad to have featured in all the team's games from the 1990 and 1994 finals, he will win his 100th cap tonight.

- REUTERS

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