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By Mark Lawrenson
BBC Sport
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Ireland's players and fans were understandably delighted after their last-gasp draw against Germany.
But they deserved to win the game.
As it is, they have played extremely well in their opening two games, against Cameroon and Germany, and have only two points to show for it.
Whether they are going to progress to the second round will now depend on other results.
I've no doubt that Mick McCarthy's men can beat Saudi Arabia in their final game, but they need Germany or Cameroon to produce a definitive result when they face each other.
Then they will be sure of going through.
Ireland were in control against Germany even at the time they went 1-0 down.
They created a number of excellent chances and were only denied by Oliver Kahn's superb reflexes in the German goal.
Ireland passed the ball well, their movement was extremely good and Damien Duff and Robbie Keane caused all sorts of problems up front.
Ireland continued to play football even when they went down and did not panic.
Germany are an efficient team, but, make no mistake, this is not the Germany of old.
That 8-0 win over a desperately poor Saudi Arabia side never convinced me they were.
They've got a good midfield, but their attack and defence is no better than ordinary.
The Irish players and their manager deserve a lot of credit for their performances at the World Cup so far.
They have responded to the loss of Roy Keane by producing some superb football.
I just think they deserve a few more points for their efforts.
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