McCarthy and team touch down in Dublin

Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy and his World Cup squad have touched down at Dublin Airport, ahead of a welcome party at the Phoenix Park later this evening.

The players expressed their relief at arriving after the long journey, with goalkeeper Shay Given saying he was looking forward to returning to his home town of Lifford, Co Donegal for a few days.

The team were aware of this afternoon's victory by South Korea, who would have been Ireland's opponents had they beaten Spain.

But striker Robbie Keane described it as irrelevant. "It doesn't matter who you play, all the sides at this stage are good," he said "There's no point going on about it now anyway. Right now, I'm just looking forward to seeing my family."

Soccer fans are gathering at the Phoenix Park this evening to welcome home their World Cup soccer squad heroes.