McCarthy congratulated England.

By Neil Silver, PA Sport, Seoul

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Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has sent his congratulations to England counterpart Sven-Goran Eriksson after his team made it into the last 16 of the World Cup finals.

England joined Ireland in the knockout phase after a goalless draw with Nigeria gave them second place in their group.

"I am pleased England went through, absolutely," said McCarthy.

"I think Sven is a top guy and I am happy he is doing well because I like him and he is one of my peers.

"I understand the pressure he is under, especially after the time I have had in the past two weeks, and I think England will have a chance.

"The fact England have progressed is good for the Premier League where all our lads play, because it makes it more vibrant."

Meanwhile, a ground-breaking international against Japan is likely to be one of the many benefits for the FAI from Ireland's World Cup adventure in Asia.

Ireland have emerged as one of the most popular of the World Cup contenders, attracting huge attendances at their three matches.

The 65,320 fans who flocked to the vast bowl of the International Stadium at Yokohama, where the final will be played on June 30, confounded predictions as Ireland's travelling army was joined by many thousands of locals, clamouring to support Ireland and their merry band of good-humoured fans on their way to a 3-0 defeat of Saudi Arabia.

Among them was one remarkable supporter, the ever-gracious, ever-smiling Mayor Nishio of Izumo.

The mayor, who was a charming host to the Irish when they spent a week in the convivial calm of the pleasant city of Izumo on Japan's west coast, flew to Niigata, to Ibaraki and finally to Yokohama to support the Irish.

The result is that mayor Nishio extended an invitation to the Irish to re-visit Izumo after this World Cup.

He floated the idea of a match between Ireland and the Japan national team to FAI President Milo Corcoran, and negotiations to set it up will begin after the tournament.

Corcoran said: "Mayor Nishio does not hold a position in the Japan FA but he obviously is close to the officers and he is very keen on the idea.

"He wants to continue to develop relations between our two countries to embrace sporting, cultural and economic activities and we are certainly interested.

"We have no available date for an international this year because our programme is dominated by this World Cup and the European Championship that will kick-off at the start of the new season.

"But we would certainly be interested in a game next year.

"Japan are proving to be one of the most exciting teams in the competition here and with stars like (Hidetoshi) Nakata of Parma, (Shinji) Ono of Feyenoord and (Junichi) Inamoto of Arsenal emerging as international stars they would be very popular visitors.

"Our own youngsters are growing in reputation as well and the quality of the football that is being played by Damien Duff and Robbie Keane and their colleagues is drawing a lot of attention.

"Ireland's standing in the world game is growing by the day and we expect many opportunities to result from this World Cup."