Irish have Les Bleus after Play Off draw.

October 21, 2009

The much debated draw for the European play-offs in a bid to qualify for the World Cup were revealed on Monday.

There had been some controversy after FIFA President Sepp Blatter altered the layout of the draw after what appeared to be some poor qualifying campaigns for some of the bigger European nations, namely France and most importantly Portugal.

In Portugal’s case, the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the biggest marketing asset in the world at present, is a loss that FIFA are not prepared to gamble on.

Despite much protestation from the so called “smaller nations” of doubly favouring the more well known European sides, the draw took place and led to some interesting ties.

All games, which will take place over two legs, will be played on November 14th and 18th. Away goals, extra time and penalties will all apply if necessary.

The fixtures were drawn as follows;
Republic of Ireland v France
Portugal v Bosnia-Herzegovina
Greece v Ukraine
Russia v Slovenia.

From an Irish point of view, all eyes will be on Croke Park and the return leg in Stade de France four days later.

It was a tough draw for the Boys in Green and if they can overcome Les Blues, it will be seen as possibly the biggest triumph in the history of the Irish team.

After the recent 2-2 draw with world champions Italy in Dublin and an unbeaten qualifying campaign, the feeling from the camp appears to be one of mooted confidence.

The two countries last met in the qualifying campaign for World Cup 2006, where Ireland had a very credible 0-0 draw in Paris, and only a moment of brilliance from striker Thierry Henry separated them in Dublin.

France are on the back of a strong qualifying campaign, but were somewhat surprisingly knocked into second place in the group by Slovenia.

However, rumours persist of dressing room unrest and a lack of respect between most of the players and coach Raymond Domenech.

His selections and tactics have risen more than a few eyebrows from both current and ex squad members over the past few campaigns which should no doubt continue for these next two games.
Irish fans will travel in numbers to the French capital as they did for the 2005 ties and provide plenty of encouragement and support for the boys in green as they embark on the final chapter towards World Cup Qualification.

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