Mick has proven his critics wrong

After last week's heart-stopping drama against Germany and years and years of edge-of-the-seat heroics, it was funny that one of Ireland's greatest football achievements actually lacked drama. Who would have foreseen the day when Ireland would stroll into the last 16 of the World Cup? Match analysis by Mark Lawrenson

I stated here, and elsewhere, that I felt Ireland would struggle to come through the group. Needless to say I am delighted to have been proven wrong. None of the highs we enjoyed during the Charlton years compare to what Mick McCarthy's Ireland have done. With limited resources McCarthy demonstrated endless patience, belief and loyalty in crafting a side that reflects all those qualities. It is time for the mischief-makers who heaped scorn on McCarthy's tactical nous and ability over the years to eat their words.

The result against Saudi Arabia was never really in doubt. I was talking to Gary Lineker yesterday afternoon and we came to the conclusion that rarely does the team with nothing to play for better the team with everything to play for. That was the story of this game.

Robbie Keane, a man reborn, took the pressure off with a great early strike. Okay, it was a little disconcerting to see Saudi Arabia step up then but they had nothing to lose and came at us for a period, we rode our luck and then finished strongly. The half-time change sent out a signal of intent and really after five minutes, the tension left the game. Ireland looked absolutely certain to qualify and the news from the Germany-Cameroon game erased all doubts.

I am really delighted for Ireland and Mick McCarthy, mainly because we have shown the world that this is a team of footballers. The stigma of the route-one option had followed us around for too long but since this tournament began, we have shaken it off.

We pass the ball around well, build creatively and in Damien Duff and Keane have, I believe, the most unpredictable front pairing at this tournament. Never have we had such inventiveness, pace and confidence up front. Their creative partnership is flowering at the perfect time. They are the cutting edge to a seriously committed and honest team. We have travelled a long way from the conclusion of the Charlton era against Holland at Anfield. This metamorphosis is all down to McCarthy. A significant footnote to his managerial style has been his ability to steer, and in some cases resurrect, the careers of his players.

The examples are everywhere. There was a time when Shay Given was struggling badly, now he is the outstanding goalkeeper in the Premiership. Stephen Staunton was reputedly washed up 18 months ago yet he is now the commanding figure on the team, immense against Germany and faultless again yesterday. Gary Breen was the so-called pariah of the Irish team for a long time and there was an element of redemption about his goal yesterday, a fantastic aside to what has been a strong tournament for him, one that will improve his market value.

So don't be surprised if McCarthy supposedly perseveres with Ian Harte. The team is playing well and inevitably, people search for the vulnerable spots. Harte lacks pace, he knows that. But what alternative have we got? Gary Kelly, maybe, but I would rather see a natural left-foot player in that position and I reckon we could see Harte contribute significantly before this tournament is over.

I imagine Spain will see playing us as a somewhat dubious prize for topping their group. All the pressure is on them, especially given this was supposed to be the tournament where they rid themselves of their reputation of under-achievers. Yes, the have better individuals than us, from Raul to Morientes. Yes, they are capable of wonderful moments. But are they a better team than us? I doubt it. They have yet to be fully tested whereas this Irish team are accustomed to being taken to the brink.

The old complaints about our defence always being one step away from a fatal mistake are tired now. It's like Fernando Hierro has no pace. But managers sees these guys day in, day out. They know their players and for all the criticism our defence took over the years, they constantly rose above it. There is no reason we can't keep doing that. This really is a glorious achievement. And the adventure need not end at the weekend. It will be close and hair-raising, tooth-and-nail stuff. Just how we like it.

In an interview with Keith Duggan