Cameroon coach Winfried Schaefer fired a critical parting shot at Saudi Arabia amid fears they will fold against the Republic of Ireland in their final Group E match next Tuesday.

The Saudis became the first team to bow out of the World Cup on Thursday when a 65th-minute goal from Real Mallorca striker Samuel Eto'o, who has been linked with a move to Spurs this summer, was all that separated the two sides.

With their pride at stake following their 8-0 thrashing by Germany in their opening match, coach Nasser Al-Johar's players at least proved they are not as bad as everybody had claimed.

But Schaefer was left unhappy Saudi Arabia had failed to show the same fighting spirit against Germany as they did against his Indomitable Lions, who could easily have been embarrassed themselves but for some poor finishing.

The 1-0 scoreline - Cameroon ending an eight-match winless streak in the World Cup finals - will have satisfied Republic boss Mick McCarthy as a 2-0 victory over the Saudis next week in Yokohama will guarantee the Irish a place in the last 16.

That means Cameroon will have to beat Rudi Voller's side in Shizuoka if they are to join the 'Boys in Green' in the second round, with the match given added spice by the fact Schaefer is German.

Although Schaefer has thrown down the gauntlet to Saudi Arabia before their clash with Ireland, he does not expect them to pick it up.

"I would like to say congratulations to the new Saudi Arabian team - but I would have loved for them to have fought the same way against Germany," said a critical Schaefer.

"I now have to hope they play the same way against the Republic of Ireland as they did against us - but I do not trust them to do that.

"It means we have to beat Germany because I don't think Saudi Arabia can beat the Republic of Ireland. I feel confident Ireland will win by at least two clear goals."

Schaefer - who has tasted success with Bundesliga sides VfB Stuttgart and Karlsruhe, spending 11 years at the latter between 1987 and 1998 and discovering the likes of Oliver Kahn, Mehmet Scholl, Jens Nowotny, Mike Tarnat and Thorsten Fink - will have no qualms about sending his fellow countrymen spinning out of the tournament.

"Germany are the favourites because they have more experience and they have played in many more great tournaments," added Schaefer.

"It's a a decisive match and one I didn't want to face. But as trainer of Cameroon I am a Lion and I really want my team to reach the second round - even at the expense of Germany."

At least one more goal would have increased the pressure on the Republic, and but for two poor decisions from the officials then that might have been the case.

They should have had a penalty in the opening minute when Daniel Ngom Kome was clearly tripped in the area by Mohammed Al Jahani, only for Norwegian referee Terje Hauge to remarkably wave away appeals.

With the first half then drawing to a close, Arsenal star Lauren headed home a right-wing cross from Geremi - the full-back apparently on his way to Chelsea from Real Madrid shortly - but the linesman's flag adjudged him offside when he was not interfering with play.

Saudi Arabia had their chances to at least have taken a point. But they went begging as Obaid Al Dosari, Nawaf Al Temyat and Al Hasan Al Yami were all found wanting in front of goal.

Al-Johar was able to hold his head up high again, and has now vowed his players will make Schaefer eat his words and go out fighting against Ireland.

"We were all shocked by our performance in the first game, but this display was a true reflection of Saudi football," said a proud Al-Johar.

"I want to say to my players 'thank you very much for today' and I would like to apologise to our officials and our fans in Saudi Arabia for the first match.

"We now promise to do our best in the final match and show the real quality of Saudi football so that we say goodbye to the World Cup on a good note."