The play-off draw was by no means easy on Republic of Ireland and they have only FIFA officials to thank to for pitting them against underperforming but still very strong France side. This is obviously going to be most interesting duel in the World Cup play-offs and while we have no doubts both sets of players will be extremely motivated, it is the coaches that have the power to win this game for their team. The Irish are clearly hoping this is true since their boss Giovanni Trapattoni simply cannot be compared to the charlatan that is Raymond Domenech. I’ll try to give you the insight into key battles that would be led at Croke Park.
Midfield battle
With both teams likely to play classic 4-4-2 formation, this game will be decided in midfield. We don’t need telling you that Diarra and Toulalan should have the upper hand in the fight with Whelan and Andrews but this is where Robbie Keane can play a key role. Toulalan and especially Diarra are the players who are excellent in defense but have got a lot to offer when their team are attacking and they surely won’t be able to do what they want if Keane puts them under pressure and leaves Doyle as a lone striker when France have the possession. I am pretty sure the Irish would have much more problems if Domenech was to stick with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation but the latest reports suggest that will not be the case.
The wings
We should see a fierce battle on the wings with Evra-Duff, Sagna-McGeady, Govou-Kilbane and Henry-O’Shea the probably pairs. Ireland wingers will have to track back to chase attack-minded Evra and Sagna, which is something their French counterparts probably won’t have to do since both Kilbane and O’Shea are defence-minded players. This looks like the area in which France will have the upper hand, although Duff and McGeady should have the freedom to work their magic knowing that the full-backs are watching their backs. Everything, nevertheless, depends on ball possession since the team that excel in this department will have more opportunities to play to their strengths.
The final third
As things now stand, Anelka and Gignac are set to start up front for Les Bleus with the Chelsea forward playing as a second striker. Even though Gignac is a very good and strong player, I don’t think Dunne and St Ledger will have problems containing them but Anelka could make a real difference if he is allowed to roam forward. He is simply ruthless when being allowed space and this is where one of the holding midfielders will have to help contain Anelka when the Frenchman drifts away from his natural position. On the other hand, slow and not very reliable Gallas and Abidal could face a difficult task against enthusiastic Keane and pretty mobile Doyle, while we also expect them to struggle with any crosses coming from the wings. This is the area in which the Irish could really profit, but only if Keane and Doyle play a very good game.
To sum it up, France are clearly better team on paper but the Irish have Trapattoni and a great attacking four that could create all sorts of problems to France defence (Ireland-France odds). I cannot really say the hosts are the favourites but if they fulfill the tasks Trap sets before them, I predict the Irish will do well.
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Cracking game but bitterly disappointing result for Ireland. For anybody who put a bet on the game, you might find this article interesting: http://bit.ly/259yOs
It’s from the Right2Bet campaign website and it shows you exactly how much money you could have lost from your winnings because of where you happen to be based in the EU. Pretty topical at the moment for the Irish and the French given Paddy Power’s recent foray into the French gambling market. There’s also a petition on the Right2Bet site to get fairer rules across the EU, which will get presented to the EU Commission once it reaches 1million: I’d encourage you to sign it if you think you’ve been burnt by these unfair rules.