Sports

Tuesday October 20, 2009

Tough Ireland test for France

ZURICH: Former champions France have been handed a potentially tough test in their bid to qualify for the World Cup Finals after drawing the Republic of Ireland in the playoffs yesterday.

Giovanni Trapattoni’s Irish side were one of the most impressive sides in their qualifying Group Eight, which was dominated by Italy.

And they were one of two teams, the other being Ukraine, the French wanted to avoid for the two-leg playoff in which Ireland play at home on Nov 14 before travelling to France four days later.

On the plus side for France is the fact they will travel to Dublin’s Croke Park, where the capacity is around 82,000, first. A second leg there could have been a handicap.

“It’s good to have the return match at home in France,” said former World Cup winner and the team’s captain in 1998, Didier Deschamps.

Luck of the Irish: France coach Raymond Domenech attending a meeting of A Goal for Jobs in Lyon yesterday. Domenech’s side will play Ireland in the World Cup playoffs. — Reuters

Portugal, the runners-up in Group One behind winners Denmark, will meet Bosnia-Herzegovina over two legs with home advantage first.

Greece, runners-up in Group Two behind Switzerland, will host Ukraine first before their second leg four days later while Russia host Slovenia first.

France had a mediocre qualifying campaign in Group Seven, won by Serbia, but eventually finished seven points ahead of third-placed Austria.

While France were winners in 1998, the Republic of Ireland are bidding for only their fourth appearance at the Finals, their last coming at the 2002 edition in Korea-Japan.

Portugal also flattered to deceive at times in Group One and they will be wary of a Bosnia-Herzegovina side who comfortably held off Turkey and Belgium to finish runners-up behind European champions Spain.

The Bosnians’ potent forward line could be boosted by the fact they are bidding for a first-ever appearance at any major championships.

The group winners from the European Zone who have already qualified are Denmark, Switzerland, Slovakia, Germany, Spain, England, Serbia, Italy and Holland. — AFP               

  • E-mail this story
  • Print this story

Sports Poll