Where the match could be won or lost

Mick McCarthy will resist the temptation to start with Niall Quinn tomorrow, even though it was the giant striker’s introduction in the game with Germany which helped keep the Republic of Ireland in the World Cup.

Mick McCarthy will resist the temptation to start with Niall Quinn tomorrow, even though it was the giant striker’s introduction in the game with Germany which helped keep Ireland in the World Cup.

Germany’s imposing backline, which had managed to stem the pace of Damien Duff and Robbie Keane for the majority of the 1-1 draw in Ibaraki last Wednesday, suddenly found themselves unable to cope with Quinn’s height and physical presence.

It was the 35-year-old Sunderland striker’s nod down to a raking Steve Finnan pass which allowed Keane to sneak his way into the area and clip a close-range shot past Oliver Kahn for the dramatic injury-time equaliser against the Germans.

With the Republic needing to beat Saudi Arabia by two clear goals to guarantee their place in the last 16, starting with Quinn and Keane up front and playing Duff behind the front two is an option which must have crossed McCarthy’s mind.

When you consider the Saudis conceded five headed goals - three of them to Miroslav Klose - in their 8-0 humiliation to Germany, then it would appear they are particularly vulnerable to a player who possesses height and power.

Instead, McCarthy is hoping to again rely on the speed of Duff and Keane to undo a Saudi side without a point or a goal from their opening two Group E matches, and with nothing to play for other than Middle East pride before flying home on Thursday.

Certainly, the Saudi Arabian defence looked like rabbits caught in the headlights of an oncoming truck when they faced Germany, while goalkeeper Mohammed Al Deayea was roundly condemned for his poor performance.

But that rare commodity called faith was extended to Al Deayea, despite five other changes being made to the team for the game with Cameroon, to such an extent he was also given the captain’s armband in the absence of Sami Al Jaber.

Al Deayea will again skipper the side against Ireland at the International Stadium, Yokohama as Ireland look to achieve what they have so far failed to do in 11 previous World Cup matches - score more than once in a game.

The 29-year-old appears to have been on the scene forever, and now has 164 caps to his credit since making his debut 10 years ago, so it is no wonder he is rated as Asia’s number one keeper.

But he is susceptible in the air, and if put under pressure, is prone to mistakes, but Quinn will have to wait for another late introduction if the situation is not going the Republic’s way.

Providing Ireland can keep a grip on Nawaf Al Temyat in midfield, than that is an area they should be able to control and provide Duff and Keane with the service they require.

Al Temyat was superb against Cameroon and is easily Saudi Arabia’s most dangerous player, pushing up behind the often-used tactic of the lone striker, and almost to devastating effect against the Indomitable Lions.

Al Temyat will certainly be asked to get forward as often as possible, particularly as coach Nasser Al Johar is down to his third-choice striker in Al Hasan Al Yami.

Star forward Al Jaber had an appendectomy this week, while Obaid Al Dosari is out with torn knee ligaments sustained against Cameroon.

Ireland’s defence should comfortably be able to cope with Al Yami and Al Temyat, and it will come as a major surprise if the Saudis do break their duck - on either front - in this World Cup.