France vs Ireland: Preview and Predictions

Published by William | Filed under Fifa World Cup South Africa 2010, Predictions

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11/14 20:00 Ireland vs. France – Odds | Statistics


The time has finally come. The final spots for the 2010 World Cup South Africa are up for grabs starting this weekend with the first legs of the UEFA World Cup Qualication Playoffs. Of all the playoff matches this weekend, none has been more highly anticipated than that of France and Ireland. The defending 2006 World Cup Runners-up are in danger of not qualifying for the finals for the first time since 1994 and must face a scrappy, talented Irish squad if they wish to prevent that from happening.


France:


Since their poor showing last summer in the 2008 European Championship, Les Bleus’ manager, Raymond Domenech has been under intense scrutiny for his side’s lack of form. The Frenchmen continued to look awful for much of their qualification campaign and were lucky to make it to the playoffs, thanks to a 5-0 thrashing of Faroe Islands and a convincing 3-1 victory over Austria at home in Paris. To make matters worse, rumors arose concerning the lack of interest in the players of the national squad after star forward Thierry Henry was reported to say that the team was “bored during Domenech’s training sessions” and “beginning to lose faith in their manager’s tactics and style.” Henry, however, put the rumors to rest and said there were no problems within the French camp. The bottom line, crisis or not, is that Domenech’s job is on the line. Elmination equals termination. To further add to his troubles, Arsenal defender Gaël Clichy and Bayern Munich’s star midfielder Franck Ribery will be unavailable as they recover from injury.


Ireland:


Ireland, unlike the underperforming Frenchmen, has exceeded most everyone’s expectations by going undefeated (4-6-0) in their World Cup Qualification efforts. In fact they are the only team out of 5 to finish the qualification stages without a loss and fail to gain an automatic bid (the others being the Netherlands, England, Spain, and Italy….good company). The boys from Dublin are led by European stars Robbie Keane, Damian Duff, John O’Shea, keeper Shay Given, and of course, manager Giovani Trappattoni. “Il Trap” is infamous for his successful set piece plays and will surely have the Irishmen ready to go against a French defense that has lacked in defending both corners and free kicks as of late.


Predicition:


This is going to be a hard fought affair and will come down to who wants it more. I believe the X-Factor lies in the Irish crowd. Croke Park does not quite compare to that of Lansdowne Road in terms of hostility but surely, the Guiness will be flowing and hopefully they can energize their team enough to steal one at home. I believe Ireland must get a good result in Dublin if they wish to have a chance in the second leg in Paris. Unfortunately, I think there is just too much talent on this French squad and too much at stake. Although they may not win tomorrow, I like Henry to lead France to victory on aggregate.


Pick:


Ireland 1-1 France


Bet of the Match:


Draw at 3.20 from Interwetten