History haunts McCarthy

Mick McCarthy rates Germany as Group E favourites, but sees the Republic of Ireland's opening game against Cameroon as the toughest of their three first-round fixtures.

The Irish coach feels that Germany will have a psychological edge over teams because they have already won the World Cup three times and have a great tradition in major tournaments. He likens the Germans' reputation to that of the great English clubs such as Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal.

"I would put Germany as Group E favourites because of their history in tournaments," he said. "When you play against teams with that great history there is a difference.

"I always feel that when teams turn up to play Liverpool, Manchester United or Arsenal in the Premiership, they are not only playing against the 11 players, but also the history and tradition of the club. There is a psychological disadvantage when you are a team who are supposedly lower down the scale than that.

"I am not suggesting that Cameroon or Saudi Arabia are lower down the scale but if you have got Germany in your Group, they are three-times winners and they are vastly experienced. Maybe Germany are not a great side now, not what they have been in the past in terms of potential winners, but I think with the players they have, their history and their experience of winning and being good in tournaments, they will know how to handle it – certainly much better than a lot of our lads."

The Republic face Germany after Cameroon and then complete their group matches against the Saudis. Despite rating Rudi Völler's men as favourites, McCarthy still sees the African champions as the hardest test – although he promised his team will fear nobody at these finals.

"I think that is our hardest game, bearing in mind it is also our first game and that gives it much more significance," said McCarthy. "A good result will be not to get beaten in the first game."

Jason McAteer and Matt Holland – who sat out training on Sunday with ankle knocks – both joined in on Monday as Ireland tried out the new lighter footballs which will be used in Korea and Japan.

McCarthy warned that goalkeepers in particular would have their hands full dealing with the new FIFA footballs.

"The balls are very lively," he said. "They fly around, bend and bounce far more. They will be difficult to deal with, especially for goalkeepers facing shots and free kicks from outside the box. They will zip around dangerously.

"It's the World Cup, so shots will be flying in from all over the place from some of the best strikers of a ball and the best players in the world."