World Cup 2010

World Cup Qualifying Preview: France – Republic Of Ireland

First blood to Les Bleus...

Nov 17, 2009 12:30:04 PM

France celebrate a priceless away goal against Ireland (Getty Images)

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France celebrate a priceless away goal against Ireland (Getty Images)

Teams

Kick-Off: Wednesday, November 18, 2009. 21:00 CET.
Stade de France, Paris

Half Way There

For 45 minutes at Croke Park on Saturday, France produced a performance perfectly typical of their World Cup qualifying campaign. Les Bleus were easily stifled by the Irish, whose tenacity and willingness to crawl over broken glass from the cause seemed more than enough to asphyxiate a team seemingly bereft of ideas and true width in attack.

France trudged off at half-time holding a 0-0 scoreline, with the home side perhaps a little disappointed that they had not taken the lead, as they had undoubtedly created the better openings. Indeed, had it not been for Patrice Evra’s toe, which turned Liam Lawrence’s guilt-edged opening wide, Raymond Domenech would have faced a very difficult 15 minutes rousing his troops for the battle ahead.

As it was, the ‘Green hell’ spoken of in the press never really materialised as France rallied and dominated the second half, creating more openings, though never looking flawless at the back. Sharp on the break, Ireland had their chances, but a fortunate deflected effort from Nicolas Anelka gives the men in blue the upper hand going into Wednesday’s second leg, though some fine goalkeeping from Hugo Lloris certainly helped enormously.

Saturday’s match-winner has spoken of attacking the Irish, and that is likely how France will proceed. Domenech’s sides are never gung-ho, and the technical ability of home team – ten of the 11 who lined up in Ireland at the weekend have featured in the Champions League this season – should ensure they keep plenty of the ball. These two attributes should be enough to guide them to South Africa, but given Ireland’s vigour, it would be foolish to count the Gaels out.

FORM GUIDE

France

WON 1-0 (a) Ireland (World Cup qualifying play-off, November 14)

WON 3-1 (h) Austria (World Cup qualifying, October 14)

WON 5-0 (h) Faroe Islands (World Cup qualifying, October 10)

DREW 1-1 (a) Serbia (World Cup qualifying, September 9)

DREW 1-1 (h) Romania (World Cup qualifying, September 5)

Ireland

LOST 1-0 (h) France (World Cup qualifying play-off, November 14)

DREW 0-0 (h) Montenegro (World Cup qualifying, October 14)

DREW 2-2 (h) Italy (World Cup qualifying, October 10)

WON 1-0 (h) South Africa (Friendly, September 8)

WON 2-1 (a) Cyprus (World Cup qualifying, September 5)

TEAM NEWS

France

Franck Ribery, Gael Clichy and Jimmy Briand, who all failed to make the squad due to injuries all remain sidelined, of course.

There is worse news for Domenech, though. Both Jeremy Toulalan and Abou Diaby have withdrawn from the team and returned to their respective clubs after it became apparent their injuries would be too severe to allow them to play.

Eric Abidal is a further absentee. He started at Croke Park but acquired a thigh injury that will keep him out for three weeks. Sebastien Squillaci or Julien Escude will replace the Barcelona man.

Domenech has not called up any replacements, and a starting XI identical to Saturday’s – Abidal aside – is anticipated.

Probable Starting XI: Lloris; Sagna, Gallas, Squillaci, Evra; A. Diarra, L. Diarra; Anelka, Gourcuff, Henry; Gignac

Ireland

Giovanni Trapattoni hinted at some personnel changes in the wake of the Dublin defeat. Aiden McGeady and Leon Best could push for starts while a hot temper and a yellow card for Keith Andrews could see Darron Gibson get some game-time in Saint Denis. There are no further injuries or bans to contend with however.

Probable Starting XI: Given - O'Shea, Dunne, St Ledger, Kilbane; Whelan, Andrews, Lawrence, Duff - Keane, Doyle

PLAYERS TO WATCH

France

Les Bleus toiled defensively under the strain of Ireland’s aerial abilities at the weekend, and a barrage of similar attacks should be anticipated on Wednesday. With the centre of defence altered once again, the onus will be on young goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to command his penalty box. He did so perfectly in Dublin, and a similarly flawless performance may well be enough to send his country to South Africa.

Ireland

Although he is not likely to start, with Liam Lawrence disciplined and effective since coming into the team, Aiden McGeady is an attacker capable of causing disruption to the most capable of full-backs. The 23-year-old is approaching 30 caps for the Irish and has yet to score. Moreover, sceptics would say that he is yet to punch in an effective international display. If there were ever a time to win over the naysayers...

PREDICTION

The Boys in Green will take solace in the fact that each goal that they score from now on counts double. That said, they had some golden opportunities in Dublin and could not make them count. A cagey hour, in particular, looks set to be in store in Paris, with superior French technique colliding with Irish graft. A stalemate on the night, with France edging the tie, is the likely outcome.

France 1-1 Ireland

Peter Staunton & Robin Bairner, Goal.com

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