France-Ireland Preview: World Cup 2010 Football Playoff

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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