World Cup permutations - the good and bad

WHAT SHOULD HAPPEN:

The situation is now crystal clear for the Republic of Ireland following Cameroon’s 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.

If we win by two goals against Saudi on Tuesday, Ireland will progress to the knock-out stages.

The Republic’s last-gasp draw against Germany put them on two points while Rudi Voller’s men and Cameroon are now locked on four points. But because of Germany’s superior goal difference a draw would surely see them win the group unless Ireland could score more than eight goals.

A draw for the Irish, however, in Yokohama next week would see them crash out and on yesterday’s show the Saudis certainly should not be underestimated.

But at least the situation is now clear cut for the Irish and a victory by two clear goals would see them through and finish second in Group E with the winners of Group B - possibly well-fancied Spain - lying in wait.

WHAT WE DON’T WANT:

However, Ireland may still face the cruellest fate of all on Tuesday - their progress in the World Cup being dictated by a drawing of lots.

While Cameroon coach Winfried Schafer insisted yesterday that Ireland were certain to go through, a draw with Germany coupled with a 1-0 win for Ireland over the Saudis would leave all three on five points.

The three-time World Cup winners would top the group thanks to their 8-0 whacking of Saudi Arabia while the Irish and the Cameroons would finish with the same goal difference and the same amount of goals scored hence the drawing of lots to see who takes second place.

Statistics certainly favour Schafer in terms of the Irish match. In 11 World Cup finals matches, we’ve never scored more than one goal, notching just six in those games