The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, and other members of the Government have sent messages of congratulations to the Irish soccer squad following their 3-0 win over Saudi Arabia today.
The Taoiseach said Ireland's qualification for the second round of the tournament was a great achievement.
The Tánaiste, Mary Harney, said the team's achievements were an inspiration to every Irish citizen while the Minister for Arts, Tourism and Sports, John O'Donoghue, described the win as spectacular.
Ireland needed to win by two clear goals to qualify, but in the end managed three goals without reply. Robbie Keane opened the scoring just seven minutes into the game.
The second goal was scored by Gary Breen on 62 minutes while man of the match Damien Duff secured the win in the closing stages. It was the first time Ireland scored more than once in a World Cup finals match.
Manager Mick McCarthy selected the same side that started the last match against Germany with Niall Quinn replacing Ian Harte at the start of the second half. Afterwards, McCarthy said the lads had settled in the second half and had been brilliant.
In the other result in the group, Germany beat Cameroon 2-0, to join Ireland in the second round.
Earlier, the World Cup title holders France, were knocked out of the tournament after being beaten 2-0 by Denmark, who have now qualified for the final sixteen.
Senegal, who beat France earlier in the competition, have also qualified for the final leg, after drawing with 3-3 with Uruguay.
