Ireland v France Play-off Draw

19 Oct 2009

Ireland have been drawn against the French for the play-off match to reach the World Cup finals in South Africa in 2010.

14th November Croke Park, Dublin
18th November Stade de France, Paris

The Republic of Ireland is an old acquaintance of the Blues, who have good memories of the last time they played in Dublin in the 2006 World Cup qualification (won 1-0 in Dublin with Henry scoring, September 2005). In 13 encounters, Ireland have won 4 times with 5 defeats and drawn 4 times.

Fifa’s contentious decision to seed proceedings - with Ireland in the second tier - meant Trapattoni was never going to get a favourable draw.

Despite a poor qualifying campaign with the French fans booing their country men in Paris during recent games France certainly have the tools to unlock the Irish defence and the ties represent a massive challenge.

The French newspaper Le Monde have said that the Irish will be difficult but playable describing Trapattoni as a maestro that could teach Domenech a lesson.

To reach South Africa, Trapattoni’s side are going to have to buck a worrying trend - Ireland have yet to reach a major finals by beating European opposition in a play-off situation.

Mick McCarthy may have led the team to the 2002 World Cup after overcoming Iran in the play-offs but Ireland have lost out four other occasions.

Spain were the first to deny Ireland access to a World Cup finals back in 1965 and in the intervening years we have also lost out to the Netherlands (Euro 96), Belgium (1998 World Cup) and Turkey (Euro 2000) in other showdowns.

Note that any fans that attended the Montenegro game at home are entitled to tickets to the French game. Send you ticket stubs to the FAI head offices in Dublin with your details. See www.fai.ie for more details.