Cameroon coach Winfried Schafer is expecting a Saudi Arabia backlash on Thursday following one of the most humiliating results in the country’s history.

Mick McCarthy was relieved his Republic of Ireland side managed to secure a draw in the wake of the furore surrounding Roy Keane's axing from the World Cup squad.

The Republic of Ireland begin their latest World Cup adventure against a Cameroon side fresh from their latest African Nations Cup triumph.

Jason McAteer has been passed fit to play for the Republic of Ireland in their opening World Cup Group E clash with Cameroon on Saturday.

Cameroon coach Winfried Schafer still fears the threat posed by the Republic of Ireland despite the controversial loss of outspoken captain Roy Keane.

Marc-Vivien Foe is convinced Cameroon are a much stronger team than in France four years ago - but knows defeat against the Republic of Ireland tomorrow could lead to a third successive group stage exit.

Cameroon coach Winfried Schafer has said he is hopeful that the country’s star player, Patrick Mboma, will be fit to face Ireland in the World Cup on Saturday.

Jason McAteer is backing England to ruffle the feathers of Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the World Cup, despite the Republic of Ireland being brought back down to earth last night.