Bleacher Report - Ireland (National Football)

"Sad" Roy Keane Urged To Move on by FAI Chief John Delaney

Willie Gannon — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:54:33 -0500

On Friday afternoon Roy Keane's outburst about Ireland's loss to France surprised everyone. His constant use of the phrase "get over it" has now come back at him as FAI Chief, John Delaney has hit back at the "sad" Keane and told him to "get over Saipan."

It was a strangely aggressive Keane that took to the press conference podium at Portman Road. His body language was simmering even before any questions were asked.

He seemed like a lion, waiting to ambush, before he gets ambushed himself.

When asked if he had any words on Ireland's defeat after Thierry Henry's handball he had this to say:

"Ireland had chances at Croke Park and in Paris but didn't take them," he said. "France were there for the taking but Ireland never grabbed it–as usual ."

"They were afraid of that next step and were mentally not strong enough ."

"They can complain all they want. That is not going to change anything. France are going to the World Cup–get over it . They want sympathy as usual. It is the usual carry on and it is boring. Get over it. "

"It is the usual FAI reaction -'we've been robbed,' 'the honesty of the game' but there was one of the group matches [Georgia] when Ireland got a penalty for a handball and no one had appealed for it."

"It was one of the worst decisions I have ever seen and it changed the game and the group. Robbie Keane scored the penalty and Ireland went on to win but I don't remember the FAI saying 'You know what? The referee made a howler, let's give them a replay.' It is the same principle."

"It [Henry's handball to set up William Gallas's decisive goal] was instinct for Henry. Would I call him a cheat? No I wouldn't think so. Did he bend the rule a little? Maybe. You see cheating going on all the time. Nobody wants a cheat. I wouldn't agree that Henry is a cheat. He is a top, top player who took advantage of the situation."

"I don't feel the game has been damaged one bit. Ireland had the chances. They never took the chance in the first game. They never performed. I heard an interview after the first game when the manager said none of the players got booked–maybe that was the problem, maybe the players should have got booked because they stood off France. In the second game we had opportunities and didn't take them."

While Keane did make some valid points during his statement on Ireland, the vitriol in which he went about it was there for all to see.

Keane obviously still has some pent up anger towards the FAI, most likely about Saipan in 2006, where he left the Irish World Cup squad after a massive argument with Mick McCarthy.

It was also very strange to hear Keane try to direct his rage towards Shay Given, who made his 102nd appearance for Ireland on Wednesday.

But he reserved special attention for John Delaney.

"He talks about the honesty and integrity of the game but I would not take any notice of that man," Keane said. "People forget what went on in the World Cup in 2002 and that man talks about honesty. I have been involved with Ireland since I was 15 years but he didn't have the decency to even make a phone call–and he goes on about the honesty of the game."

The manner in which Keane made these statements on Friday were strange to say the least. He directed the press conference towards the Irish game, and then appeared to get something off his chest by attacking the FAI and Delaney in particular.

In truth, Keane came off like a struggling individual. A worrying case for all those who idolized him and who have backed him through thick and thin.

One would almost think that he is on the verge of becoming a caricature of himself, a David Brent of football, if he is not too careful.

On Sunday night, FAI Chief John Delaney urged Keane to let go of Saipan, turning the Corkman's words on himself by telling him that he should be the one to let it go.

"It's just a side-show."

"We've all moved on from Saipan-Niall Quinn, Mick McCarthy, the FAI and all the players- but it seems to me that he (Keane) hasn't."

"It's time for him now, in my opinion, to learn from the past-not live with it."

"I really thought the images shown around the world on Friday were very sad-it's sad to see a great former player reflected in the manner as he did."

"It's time to forget about Saipan and move on-because everyone else has."

In this respect, John Delaney is right.

Saipan was seven years ago, everyone has moved on, it's time to let it go.

Paul McGrath, a friend of Keane wrote on Sunday that he was looking at the press conference screaming at Roy on the TV to "stop" and to "shut up", wondering what he was doing.

The giant Irishman is one of a select few who know the full story of what happened in Saipan, and is a known backer of Keane. But even he saw the impending breakdown that is looming on the horizon for the ex-Manchester United player.

For his own sake, Keane needs to let go, and to learn how to deal with these situations in a better manner. His future as a manager and as a person, depends on it.

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Ireland-France: Two Scary But Enjoyable Matches

peter bailey — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:18:23 -0500

The Ireland-France match had five unmissable pointers:

1) Thierry Henry's almost unmissable handball

2) Patrice Evra's penalty call/dive

3) Robbie Keane's savage goal

4) Nicolas Anelka's scorcher

5) Ireland's extremely hard effort till the last minute

All in all, two brilliant games and an excellent match.

Peter

P.s. Henry should be branded a traitor.

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Humor: We Know What Happened During The France—Ireland Clash

Zahi Sahli — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:42:53 -0500

It was a day like any other. Or not so.

Thierry Henry handled the ball, crossed a ball that was headed by William Gallas into the back of the net to launch France into the 2010 World Cup and eliminate Ireland from contention. Or is that only what "they" want us to see.

Was it FIFA, the ones who staged the match with a seeded draw, wanting Ireland to meet the French and bring all the media's attention to football by having a "controversial" goal scored late?

Was it the French who demanded that the last game and all its drama be held in Paris to attract more media spotlight to its capital? Or maybe it was all shot in a Hollywood studio!

Were the Irish in on it too? Does Henry's apology come from his heart or is it all scripted?

Ahh! We saw Henry coming down the bus. What was he doing talking with Ireland's assistant manager Marco Tardelli? They were laughing and smiling! They must be in on it!

What we have heard and are not so sure of until now (although we are pretty sure about the rest of the story) is that Henry called Diego Maradona to ask the Argentinian legend for help.

Henry asked Maradona about the "correct" usage of "the hand of God" in order to get the maximum out of cheating by using the hand and keeping it out of the referee's sight.

Maradona was reportedly happy to give Henry advice.

Later, when asked about the rumor, Maradona cursed using words familiar to his not-so-distant history in cursing and denied the whole alleged phone calls, deleting Henry's number from his phone book in the process.

Look at Henry's photo. Thierry "The Cheat" Henry. And he has his two arms raised up in the air! That's good. At least he knows he's the bad guy in this story.

It was all part of a great deal concerning the biggest countries in the world. For sure the United States know about it.

Or maybe it was all part of Saddam's plans to ruin the world. Or perhaps some aliens who we thought came "in peace". Oh, how evil can these green creatures get?

What if referee Hansson is an alien himself? He's a blind one, that's for sure. Or maybe Bleacher Report's Barney is even in on it so that he can write another brilliant edition of "The Great Debate".

Other theories however, include some who believe it was all—how can we put it? A "coincidence". Ha, if they only knew!

Ladies and gentlemen, we are in front of a new world order. Conspiracy lies among us. Maybe we are among those who are on it too.

No, it's not "just another game". It's the sign of the times! Is it 2012 already?!

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Ireland Clutching At Straws

tumang bokaba — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:52:16 -0500

Listen to enough English radio and TV talk shows and you'd be certain that Thierry Henry was a murderer and that the French Republic was harbouring a wanted fugitive.

Travesty of justice. Miscarriage of Justice. Cheats. Typical French. Frogs. And and and. Ahem.

What happened on Wednesday in the game between France and Ireland is nothing new and will forever happen. What Thierry Henry did was instinctive, almost everyone agrees that it is a human reaction to try to keep the ball playing.

For Robbie Keane and them to suggest that the French planned to cheat is simply clutching at straws. The Irish FA has now requested FIFA to replay the game because a precedent has been set by an FA Cup between Arsenal and Sheffield. This is unlikely.

It sets a very dangerous precedent and creates a rot on the back of FIFA and UEFA. The Irish FA chief when quizzed on why when he didn't request a replay in their Georgia game when apparently a a dubious decision was given in their favor, he stated without irony that the two games were different?

Are they? Ireland win a game in dubious circumstances and it is fine. They lose a game and the whole world must stop. The Irish Chief went on to state that they are requesting the replay because amongst other things "the whole world was watching."

This, when four other games were playing. Hardly the whole world, I'd say. Did Henry cheat? It depends on how you look at it.

Hasn't Ireland benefited from a question call during games and never thought otherwise? Are they only team to have been victims of poor officiating? England lost the World Cup to a handball. Ireland lost a game.

Get over it move on. A match not worth more than three points. Robbie Keane cries out that UEFA and FIFA are celebrating now that a bigger nation has qualified instead of them. And? Give me a sponsor that would like to see minnows competing in a money making tournament. The FA would much rather have a Manchester United - Liverpool game everyday of the week than a Stoke and Hull FA Cup final.

It is business. Football is business, Keane. Deal with it. Yes, FIFA are happy France are through. UEFA are happy that Ireland is out. Move on. As for Ireland calling France cheats?

Didn't they have a fraud Tony Cascarino playing for them for a good 14 years? Will they agree that all those 88 games the fraudster played be invalidated and the opposing teams be compensated? European Championships and World Cups the fraud played in.

While many people sympathise with the manner in which they lost the game, this is not a world crisis. Ultimately, it is just a game.There'll be more coming and I am certain they'll win some controversially.

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France 1-1 Ireland AET: The Game That Got the Whole World Talking

Yoosof Farah — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:17:10 -0500

It was expected by many that France would win fairly convincingly at the Stade de France in Paris in their World Cup play-off second-leg match against Ireland, and smoothly qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

This assumption was fairly logical after all, considering the French had a star-studded cast of players who play for the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Lyon, etc.

On top of that, Nicolas Anelka scored the only goal of the game at Croke Park in Dublin to give France a 1-0 away win and that very important away goal.

Therefore, the result in Dublin meant that Ireland needed to make history and win at the Stade de France, something no team (even Brazil) has done in many, many years; thus it was high unlikely Ireland would be going through to the 2010 World Cup.

However, as we all know, France were very poor on that Wednesday night and ashamed their 62 million population.

Ireland on the other hand, were brilliant, executing Giovanni Trapattoni's tactics to perfection, as well as carving out the majority of decent goalscoring opportunities and making the most of their possession.

It was an all-round brilliant performance from the Irish, who were also incredibly good defensively, a performance that should make proud the 4.2 million inhabitants on the Emerald Isle, as well as the millions of Irish citizens around the world.

So instead of being a boring and convincing win for the French, the match turned out to be one of the most entertaining, gripping and heart-stopping encounters in recent years.

From Robbie Keane's goal to level the aggregate score at 1-1, to Damien Duff's glorious winning opportunity, and Nicolas Anelka's penalty appeal at the start of extra-time, this match had it all.

"Had it all" meaning that it had a vital ingredient to make it the most memorable World Cup play-off match in history.

This football encounter was extremely controversial; so controversial it made the definition of controversy, Formula One (the pinnacle of motorsport), pale in comparison.

The picture above shows the very moment at which the international uproar commenced.

Ex-Arsenal striker Thierry Henry handles the ball twice before laying the ball off to William Gallas to put into the net, and give France an all important match equaliser and aggregate lead minutes from the end of extra-time.

That moment was so controversial, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) have written to the France Football Federation (FFF) requesting a replay, and launching an official complaint to the sport's world governing body, FIFA.

But why has Thierry Henry's handball incident caused so much international controversy?

Firstly, it was a blatant violation of football's universal and standardised rules that went completely unnoticed by the officials, whose primary concern is to ensure that the laws of the game are enforced.

Whilst on the topic of officials, referee Martin Hansson proved in that match why, contrary to current media talk, he is one of, if not the best referee in world football.

France's goal was not his problem. Why? Because when there are human bodies that obviously are not transparent in the way of the referee's line of vision for the ball, how on earth is he meant to see what is happening?

So whose problem was it? The assistant referee's problem, because that man has a duty to assist the referee and make decisions when the referee is unable to.

The referee was unable to make that call as he could not see the ball. The assistant referee could see it very clearly, and has disgraced himself by not flagging up to indicate to the referee that a law of the game had been violated, and the player deliberately handled the ball, which by law of the game is a cautionable offence.

Martin Hansson had a brilliant game and got every other decision correct; it's such a shame that his reputation has been tarnished by an incompent member of his officiating team.

Anyway, a second reason why Henry's handball was so controversial was that it re-opened that age-old debate of whether video technology should be introduced to further enhance the sport of football.

The handball incident was perfect evidence as to why the technology should be introduced, as it would stamp out incorrect indecisions and enable officials to penalise those who violate the rules of the game.

Had video technology been used in this match, the goal would not have stood, Henry would have been shown a yellow card, and Shay Given would have kicked the ball forward from the resulting free-kick as opposed to ruefully picking the ball out of his own net (after the inevitable, desperate appeals to the referee of course).

And lastly, a third reason is that it highlighted how cruel of a sport football can be.

For all the effort, determination and dominance Ireland showed in their performance, they were ultimately undone by an incorrect decision from the referee.

They undoubtedly deserved to win, and yet they lost, not through a legitimate goal from France by brilliantly carving open the defence, but through an illegal handling of the ball, all created by another opponent player who touched the ball onto Henry when being in an offside position (further incompetence by the assistant referee).

The whole world was watching as France took on Ireland at the Stade de France in Paris.

The whole world saw the moment at which Thierry Henry disgraced not only the entire French population, but also the sport of football.

It shows what this sport has succumbed to; players deliberately cheating in order to reach the pinnacle of football.

There was a time in football's past where moral integrity rose high above success.

Now in the modern era, this sport has adopted the Lombardian ethic: winning isn't everything, it's the only thing.

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Ireland Deserved To Progress to the World Cup

Zahi Sahli — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:55:14 -0500

I think all those watching on television and live in Paris would love to say in French to a spirited and literally fantastic Republic of Ireland team: chapeau bas.

Ireland went into the match against the mighty France in the worst conditions possible. They had lost on their own home soil and they had to travel to Paris to face world-class opponents.

But instead of panicking, Giovanni Trapattoni's men had the guts to put the French into a tough challenge and a truly classy competition was held. It was evident throughout the match in Paris that "the Irish were coming" close to victory.

After a 1-0 result in the first leg in Dublin with France scoring through a deflected Nicolas Anelka shot that found its way to the net somehow, France got lucky again tonight.

Robbie Keane had initially gotten Ireland the lead when "the hand of Henry" followed an outrageous mistake from the referee contributed to a late France goal. The goal—scored by William Gallas—did just enough to seal the qualification for France.

But what I personally saw on the pitch was a heroic performance by the inferior Irish players. Their misfortune twisted their fates as they could—and probably should—have secured a famous win.

What strikes me is the amount of danger Ireland caused to a world-class team with quality players on the pitch and on the bench.

What's missing France is a quality coach. Raymond Domenech is arguably one of the worst influences on a football team in modern times.

Domenech's team could not pose threat to a much weaker Ireland team. France were unable to possess the ball for long terms and could not be creative over two matches.

France scored two goals against Ireland in the two legs.

The first goal came from a lucky deflection. The second goal featured an incident that should have clearly been whistled as a handball. Initially, the chance came from a cross from the middle of the pitch from a foul in favor of France.

So during two matches, we did not see the mighty France we usually know. We could not see a side that challenge for the World Cup. Much like Real Madrid in the first galacticos era, we only saw big names and lost players on the pitch.

Domenech has actually reduced the roosters of France to chicks.

Our respects to a courageous Republic of Ireland team that has made every Irish man proud with a fantastic performance. Despite the failure to qualify, the team played brilliantly.

Trapattoni did a fantastic job getting the best of the Irish players who had failed to bring good results in the last couple of years.

And to Shay Given: yes that handball should have been given!

I understand the frustration after this game because of the terrible refereeing in the incident, but France will be going to the World Cup.

It is still unknown to me however, whether the French are lucky to qualify or they are unlucky that they are going into another major competition with Domenech at the helm of their national team.

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France Cheats Its Way Past Heroic Ireland To South Africa

Willie Gannon — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:33:02 -0500

France cheated their way to South Africa tonight after Ireland succumbed to a travesty of justice as Thierry Henry handled the ball twice in the build up to William Gallas' winning goal.

It was an outrageous way to win the match after Ireland had taken the game to their "mighty" opponents and put in the kind of performance that the players will remember for years.

Going into the game all eyes were on Paris as Irish fans descended on the city in their thousands. The French Football Federation only supplied the FAI with 8,000 tickets but almost 20,000 fans defied the recession to support the boys in green.

Ireland were expected to play the game as tight as possible but they caught Raymond Domenech and the French team off guard as they tore into their illustrious opponents right from the start.

The manner of the Irish performance was a joy to see. Giovani Trappatoni seemed to have encouraged his side to be as adventurous as possible and their ambition was there for all to see.

Ireland's midfield was immense, with Damien Duff and Liam Lawrence standing out as they inflicted their game upon the French and Patrice Evra and Sagna in particular.

All the omens were against Ireland going into this match. The Irish had not beaten a team seeded higher than them away from home since 1987, under Domenech France had only ever lost one on home soil, and no team to ever take the lead in an away leg had ever lost a UEFA playoff.

But Ireland have never lost when Robbie Keane scored.

And score he did.

The Tallaght man was immense all night, his work-rate was phenomenal, his touch exquisite, and his radar for goal on full alert.

If you had just turned the match on you would have been forgiven for thinking that it was the French who were dictating play, such was Ireland's dominance.

And their goal was a thing of beauty.

Having gone close through Doyle and Keane in the minutes leading into the opening strike. Ireland twisted the knife and cut the French defence apart as they moved the ball from one side of the pitch to the other before Damien Duff raced onto Kilbane's perfectly weighted through ball. The boy from Ballyboden then picked out Tottenham Hotspur's Keane, who had pulled out to the penalty spot, and he twisted his body to suit the path of the ball and simply passed it past the superb Lloris to give Ireland a well deserved lead.

Ireland continued their dominance until half time, and it was just one of those days when France were literally saved by the bell.

France were expected to come out and take the game to the superior Irish, but again Ireland were the better side.

Time after time they cut France apart, and Shay Given was a forelorn figure in the Irish goal as none of the much celebrated French strikers troubled him at all.

Liam Lawrence was the chief architect for Ireland's best chances in the second half, as his beautiful through ball found Damien Duff clear on goal with on Lloris to beat.

The young Lyon 'keeper spread himself well to block Duff's effort, but the Fulham wingers strike was straight at his foil and barely tested him.

Minutes later, Lawrence wriggled his way past two defenders before prodding the ball to Keane who skipped past Gallas and into a one-on-one with Lloris. He sold him a beautiful dummy to leave the goal open, but his initial touch was too heavy and the ball ran agonizingly wide as the Spurs man held his head in wonder.

The misses were to prove costly as the game moved into extra time. The Irish, beginning to wilt after their phenomenal effort made a couple of changes to spice thing up, but their bench is their Achilles heel, and without the likes of Steven Reid, Andy Reid, Stephen Ireland, Chris McCann, Stephen Kelly, and Steve Finnan, Ireland were always going to struggle as their team got pushed to it's limit.

Even still, the French failed to make any chances of note and Thierry Henry was only a peripheral figure as the game moved towards extra time.

With Ireland tiring, France gained more possession, but heroic defending from the men in green denied them time and space, and whoever scored the next goal would almost certainly win the game.

The knockout blow came from a set-piece that Ireland failed to deal with, but on closer examination, the goal should never have been allowed.

Martin Hansson had a very good game and made right decisions throughout the night, most notably Nicolas Anelka's dive when moving past Given.

But he and his assistants made grave errors as France had two men in an offside position as the free kick was taken, then Richard Dunne was pulled over as he attempted to clear the ball, and then Thierry Henry handled the ball twice to keep in it play and then picked out Gallas on the line to head home France's winner.

It was the cruelest of blows for the heroic Irish, as France had barely threatened the Irish goal all evening. To lose to blatant cheating from one of the games great players is one thing but for the referee to miss key decisions in the build up to the goal is unforgivable.

Liam Brady, Ireland's assistant manager, ahd called for stern refereeing in the playoffs after UEFA President, Michel Platini, had decided to seed the playoffs to aid the higher seeded teams progress to South Africa.

It is a bitter pill for Ireland to swallow. When a player of Thierry Henry's calibre cheats to win, it leaves a stain on the game.

And now UEFA and FIFA will most probably do their best to sweep this ugly incident under the carpet.

Kevin Doyle spoke magnanimously about Henry after the match, saying that "any player would probably do the same. It's a natural instinct. But for the referee to miss it, and for the linesman not to call it after he had a clear view...well...."

The incident will further the calls for video evidence, but it is hard to see Michel Platini backing away from his extra two referee experiment which is due to start next season.

Marco Tardelli said the game had "diminished" after Henry's foul.

And he does have a point.

Diving and cheating have the ability to ruin the game, and it is hard to imagine the likes of an elite sportsman in any other code cheating to win.

Tiger Woods has owned up to fouls when he could take advantage of a situation, as has Roger Federer.

Henry is in that league of sportsman, and tonight he will hold his head in shame.

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France Defeats Ireland on a Controversial Missed Call

Matt Titman — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:05:03 -0500

The full-time whistle has been silent for about 15 minutes now, but the nations of France and Ireland won't be quiet for some time yet.

The French, of course will be partying, narrowly qualifying for South Africa next summer. Anelka and Gallas' goals were just enough to pip a game Ireland squad.

The Irish, however, will be screaming long into the night about a lack of justice on the eventual series-winning goal by Gallas. Giovanni Trapattoni has done great work on a side with such limited resources and came oh-so-close to the big dance.

But due to a blatant handball missed by both the referee and his linesman, the Emerald Isle will once again be only spectators to the World Cup.

But, lets give the Irish credit; soccer/football is definitely a minor sport in Ireland behind the Gaelic Games and rugby union, but Trapattoni has done great things since taking over from Steve Staunton.

Unfortunately, they'll be sitting around until qualifiers for the next Euros start up.

Despite winning, is there a single person who believes Domenech is the right man for France?

First he couldn't deliver at Euro '08, now his side barely sneak into the World Cup. He was rightfully booed by the French fans at halftime and his decision to not play Real Madrid superstar Karim Benzema must be questioned.

But the biggest question that must be addressed is the 800 lb gorilla in the room; instant replay and its place in football.

Clearly, Henry handled the ball before his pass to Gallas, no doubt about that, but is instant replay a viable option?

My main concern is for the speed of the game. In both forms of rugby, tries can be deliberated for multiple minutes before decisions come out; is having a TMO really the best option?

I love to see fair, well-played games, and the team that plays better should win the match. Maybe we will see a sort of instant replay similar to rugby, as this would be the fairest option.

But people, especially old people (FIFA and its delegates), are afraid of changing and live by the mantra of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

Here's to hoping for a much needed fix.

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France-Ireland Preview: World Cup 2010 Football Playoff

Sports Betting Review — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:02:57 -0500

France vs. Ireland

18th November, 2009

Stade de France, Paris

Kick-Off: 20:00 GMT (21:00 CET)

France

The French will welcome the Irish to the Stade de France for tonight's France vs Ireland football clash with one foot already on the plane to South Africa.

Raymond Domenech’s men battled the crowd and a motivated Ireland squad at Croke Park in Dublin on Saturday, and emerged victorious heading into the France—Ireland second leg of the tie.

The final scoreline read 1-0, and the result was a fair indication of how the match was played.

There was little to choose between France and Ireland in the opening 45 minutes with a few chances at both ends. In the second half, however, France was able to show their class as they poured on the pressure in the vital World Cup football tie.

Nicolas Anelka gave France the lead and a valuable away goal in the 72nd minute of this Ireland vs. France match, after his deflected effort left Shay Given helpless in the Ireland goal.

Les Bleus will know that, barring a relatively unlikely upset in this France vs. Ireland football fixture, they will be joining the list of already-qualified teams headed for the 2010 World Cup football finals next June.

Ireland

Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland will have it all to do as they make the trip to France for Wednesday night's crucial match.

Despite a spirited performance, France proved too strong in the second half of the Ireland v France tie, making the return tie a real uphill battle for the Irish.

Ireland will know that their best chances of qualification will again rest in their hard work and quick closing down of the French.

Player for player, France have undoubtedly the more skilled crop, but if Ireland are able to stress their opponents in to bad decisions in their own half of the pitch, rewards can still be reached and an upset could be achieved.

Robbie Keane will have to be much more present in the return France—Ireland leg, as the Tottenham striker failed to trouble the French defence in Dublin.

Prediction

Down only 1-0 on aggregate in this France—Ireland tie, hope is still alive for the Irish.

France has certainly been known to put in lackadaisical performances from time to time. Still, in the end, the home crowd and technical ability of the players should prove the difference on the night.

France v Ireland Prediction : France 1— Ireland 0

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