View Full Version : It's France
DeNiro
19/10/2009, 1:47 PM
10:10 AM
Do you think we will get through :D
Funnily enough geysir I do. Here's why. I felt when we played France in Oct 2004 that we should have won it out there. Kerr was regarded as a lucky manager and I think, at that time, a draw was a good result but he should have gained a victory that night. Trappatoni, I think, is even luckier. He'll know exactly what to do to exploit any weakness in France, much more so than Kerr.
Our problems lie on the wings, both full backs and wingers. The former are too slow and the latter, particularly McGeady and Hunt, can't often beat the first defender. I would play Lawrence again, Steven Reid (if available) and Finnan at left back. Ribery has scorching pace, Kilbane just won't be able for him.
Predator
19/10/2009, 1:51 PM
We had Roy Keane in midfield in 2004.
Tipp Townie
19/10/2009, 1:55 PM
and Kilbane...
seanfhear
19/10/2009, 1:57 PM
Would prefer the second leg at home.
I would take 0-0 at Croker
Then everything will be up for grabs in the second leg. 1 away goal will put it up to them.
Even as I am writing this I am getting more optimistic. 0-0 or something better for us at Croker and we have a chance.
We cannot afford to give them an away goal so the most boring game ever with France not scoring in Ireland is my early Christmas wish.
Stuttgart88
19/10/2009, 2:01 PM
We can win this one. Early goal in Croker, some great defending by Dunne & Given after our obligatory sitting back, but we'll get a second from a free kick. 2-0.
France will go in 1-0 up at HT in Paris but we'll hit them with an away goal on the break in the second half. McGeady to provide the assist to Keane. France will now need two, they'll be given a soft penalty on 88 minutes but we'll hang on for the 7 minutes of added time.
Rep of Ireland are lucky to be at home first -
Rugby: Ireland V Australia on the 15th in Croke Park.
The pitch would not be ok by the 18th - imho.
The pitch was a mess after the U2 concert.
Playing the home match on the 14th is good news.
The fact that it's France - with Ribery, Anelka, Henry, Benzema, Evra ... hmm.
goals can come from many sources. It is going to be difficult to watch them.
Predator
19/10/2009, 2:04 PM
We can win this one. Early goal in Croker, some great defending by Dunne & Given after our obligatory sitting back, but we'll get a second from a free kick. 2-0.
France will go in 1-0 up at HT in Paris but we'll hit them with an away goal on the break in the second half. McGeady to provide the assist to Keane. France will now need two, they'll be given a soft penalty on 88 minutes but we'll hang on for the 7 minutes of added time.
This sounds almost perfect!
endabob1
19/10/2009, 2:09 PM
Would prefer the second leg at home.
I would take 0-0 at Croker
Then everything will be up for grabs in the second leg. 1 away goal will put it up to them.
Even as I am writing this I am getting more optimistic. 0-0 or something better for us at Croker and we have a chance.
We cannot afford to give them an away goal so the most boring game ever with France not scoring in Ireland is my early Christmas wish.
0-0 in Dublin would be best result we can realistically hope for, obviously 1-0 is even better but 0-0 would be fantastic, as you say everything to play for in Paris, nervous crowd worried about conceeding an away goal.....
as_i_say
19/10/2009, 2:10 PM
Yeah Carslberg dont do play offs....
Reckon it will go to pennos myself:eek:
boysingreen
19/10/2009, 2:10 PM
I'm more ****ed about playing home first than anything. Couldn't be arsed to check how the other seeded teams did, but wouldn't surprise me if they're all playing away first leg. Bull****.
For whatever it's worth, my friend at work is a French supporter. He came up to me the other day and was convinced they would draw Ireland, and he had a pessimistic tone and outlook of it all. Safe to say he's no fan of Domenech. (Ironically, this is our second showdown of the year.. my Celtic drew his Arsenal in champs league qualifying. Please God I'll come out ahead this time!!!)
blobbyblob
19/10/2009, 2:14 PM
We can win this one. Early goal in Croker, some great defending by Dunne & Given after our obligatory sitting back, but we'll get a second from a free kick. 2-0.
France will go in 1-0 up at HT in Paris but we'll hit them with an away goal on the break in the second half. McGeady to provide the assist to Keane. France will now need two, they'll be given a soft penalty on 88 minutes but we'll hang on for the 7 minutes of added time.
Horny talk you tease
John83
19/10/2009, 2:14 PM
I'm more ****ed about playing home first than anything. Couldn't be arsed to check how the other seeded teams did, but wouldn't surprise me if they're all playing away first leg. Bull****.
None of the other seeded teams are away first. None.
People talk such crap.
But then, FIFA seem to earn it.
Leeside Swagger
19/10/2009, 2:16 PM
0-0 both legs. Ireland to win in the shootout, Killbane with the last spotter, he kicks the ground and a massive sod of earth flies into the net and sends the keeper the wrong way, ala Big Cas in 1990.
paul_oshea
19/10/2009, 2:17 PM
Stutts why would you put given in defence would ye not leave him in goal?!
paul_oshea
19/10/2009, 2:22 PM
This sounds almost perfect!
Its sounds horrible what he outlined, but id take it :D
boysingreen
19/10/2009, 2:23 PM
None of the other seeded teams are away first. None.
People talk such crap.
But then, FIFA seem to earn it.
People talk crap? I suppose I imagined they decided to seed the playoff draw a couple weeks before it. You can't create new rules on the fly and expect to be viewed as objective. A child on the playground doesn't fall for it.
mrmojoreilly
19/10/2009, 2:24 PM
It's going to be much tougher now that Fifa(Platini) have banned Ireland from playing a goalkeeper and have stressed that all Irish strikers must wear bowling shoes throughout both games, didn't you guys read the small print!!!!!!
DeNiro
19/10/2009, 2:24 PM
and Kilbane...
Andy Reid [Ahem] came on for Morrisson if memory serves me right as well. Was it Cunningham and O'Brien at the back can anyone remember?
pineapple stu
19/10/2009, 2:32 PM
People talk crap? I suppose I imagined they decided to seed the playoff draw a couple weeks before it. You can't create new rules on the fly and expect to be viewed as objective. A child on the playground doesn't fall for it.
BIG - you said you assumed all the seeded teams were drawn away from home first. None of them are besides France. Yes, seeding the play-off is nonsense. Doesn't justify you talking crap and then accusing FIFA of yet another stunt.
DeNiro - yep, Cunningham and O'Brien in Paris. Remember Barthez elbowing O'Brien in the face?
the doc
19/10/2009, 2:45 PM
What times are the kick offs?
DeLorean
19/10/2009, 2:45 PM
We can win this one. Early goal in Croker, some great defending by Dunne & Given after our obligatory sitting back, but we'll get a second from a free kick. 2-0.
France will go in 1-0 up at HT in Paris but we'll hit them with an away goal on the break in the second half. McGeady to provide the assist to Keane. France will now need two, they'll be given a soft penalty on 88 minutes but we'll hang on for the 7 minutes of added time.
They would need 3 at this stage.
geysir
19/10/2009, 2:50 PM
They would need 3 at this stage.
You are forgetting that after the first leg, FIFA will have changed the away goal rule.
blobbyblob
19/10/2009, 2:51 PM
What times are the kick offs?
0 minutes and 45 minutes -
All the comedians are out today lads wehayyyyyyyy
ken foree
19/10/2009, 2:55 PM
BIG - you said you assumed all the seeded teams were drawn away from home first. None of them are besides France. Yes, seeding the play-off is nonsense. Doesn't justify you talking crap and then accusing FIFA of yet another stunt.
he said it "wouldn't have surprised him" that they were all playing away first, and after the seeding BS it wouldn't have surprised me either!
p.s. gourcuff and evra are the players that would worry me the most
DeLorean
19/10/2009, 2:56 PM
You are forgetting that after the first leg, FIFA will have changed the away goal rule.
:DOf course, my bad.
Duggie
19/10/2009, 2:58 PM
bloody what over 3 weeks till the games...agggggghhhhhhhh
God please keep robbie injury free above all.
Reality Bites
19/10/2009, 3:15 PM
Any idea of any injuries in French camp or players carrying yellows who may miss second leg and give us an advantage etc... straw clutching but important little details none the less!
Noelys Guitar
19/10/2009, 3:16 PM
The older crew on here have been lucky enough to see us beat France on two occasions in world cup qualifying. 1-0 (ironically Brady supplied by Giles' quick free kick ) in a WC qualifyer 1977. And again in a classic ala 1981 3-2 (OG, Robinson and can't remember the third goalscorer). This time we can go one better and actually qualify after beating them. Lets wipe the smiles off Sepp Bluffer & Platini again. I fully expect Seamus McDonagh to come back into the limelight (media wise)in the next few weeks after his terrific save from Platini in 1981.
punkrocket
19/10/2009, 3:20 PM
What's the story with the FAI website, I've been trying all afternoon to get on. Anyone manage it?
cudsy1
19/10/2009, 3:22 PM
regarding complaints about the seeding of the draw...
Emerging unvanquished from their qualifying group was a laudable achievement but winning four matches – all against Georgia and Cyprus – out of 10 should not be enough to reach football's elite tournament, particularly for a European country, given that the continent is already over-represented.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2009/oct/19/world-cup-qualifiers-republic-of-ireland
Tipp Townie
19/10/2009, 3:28 PM
(OG, Robinson and can't remember the third goalscorer).
Stapleton, to make it 2-1 i think
John83
19/10/2009, 3:29 PM
regarding complaints about the seeding of the draw...
Emerging unvanquished from their qualifying group was a laudable achievement but winning four matches – all against Georgia and Cyprus – out of 10 should not be enough to reach football's elite tournament, particularly for a European country, given that the continent is already over-represented.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2009/oct/19/world-cup-qualifiers-republic-of-ireland
And when they seed the draw based on wins in the group stage, that'll be a valid point.
Emmet7
19/10/2009, 3:43 PM
You are forgetting that after the first leg, FIFA will have changed the away goal rule.
And made the goalposts wider.
France already qualified according to the bookies.
To Qualify:
4/11 France
2/1 Ireland
Outsiders do win occasionally but I dont like those odds.
Leeside Swagger
19/10/2009, 3:46 PM
What's the story with the FAI website, I've been trying all afternoon to get on. Anyone manage it?
Took about 10 minutes to load up for me earlier on.
theworm2345
19/10/2009, 3:49 PM
Any idea of any injuries in French camp or players carrying yellows who may miss second leg and give us an advantage etc... straw clutching but important little details none the less!
All yellow cards are wiped out going into the playoffs
The older crew on here have been lucky enough to see us beat France on two occasions in world cup qualifying. 1-0 (ironically Brady supplied by Giles' quick free kick ) in a WC qualifyer 1977. And again in a classic ala 1981 3-2 (OG, Robinson and can't remember the third goalscorer).
Stapleton from O'Leary after a goal mouth scramble
Emmet7
19/10/2009, 3:53 PM
Didn't Chippy Brady score a great goal against France at Lanesdowne? Broke through on his own? That was against France wasn't it, and a good French team as well, in between two world cup semi's and Euro 84 victory.
Reality Bites
19/10/2009, 3:53 PM
All yellow cards are wiped out going into the playoffs
Stapleton after a goal mouth scramble
I remember the borefest last time France came to Dublin (well at least the 2nd half was, don't remember the first) but I have a feeling this will be a bit more exciting.
Are you sure - then why all the fuss about fear of Given picking another yellow against Montenegro
regarding complaints about the seeding of the draw...
Emerging unvanquished from their qualifying group was a laudable achievement but winning four matches – all against Georgia and Cyprus – out of 10 should not be enough to reach football's elite tournament, particularly for a European country, given that the continent is already over-represented.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2009/oct/19/world-cup-qualifiers-republic-of-ireland
France won 6...and 2 of those were against the Faroes. Our equivalent seed was Montenegro
geysir
19/10/2009, 4:05 PM
Are you sure - then why all the fuss about fear of Given picking another yellow against Montenegro
Because a suspension would have carried through.
That Montenegran who picked up a yellow, to add to one he received in an earlier game, is suspended from Montenegro's next game in the UEFA qualifiers.
theworm2345
19/10/2009, 4:06 PM
Are you sure - then why all the fuss about fear of Given picking another yellow against Montenegro
I could be wrong but George Hamilton kept saying they did not during the Montenegro match (unless of course you got one and were already on one then you are suspended for the first match). He said they wipe the slate clean for the playoffs.
Razors left peg
19/10/2009, 4:16 PM
When the draw came out first I was seriously p1ssed off about it but as the day went on I manage to convince myself that we are going to beat them. Not basing it on anything but blind faith but Im seriously excited about it already. Above all else we mustnt conceed at home, I would take 0-0 going to Paris happily because we have proven in the group stages that we will score goals anywhere
alltogethernow
19/10/2009, 4:22 PM
Don't know if this is said elsewhere but presume the home leg will be an early kick off to give as much time as possible to get the place ready for the rugby the next day?
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=687042&sec=worldcup2010opinion&root=worldcup2010opinion&cc=5739
Also, Henry is out for about 10 days, heres hoping its might last a bit longer than expected.
Don't know if this is said elsewhere but presume the home leg will be an early kick off to give as much time as possible to get the place ready for the rugby the next day?
Fcuk that, no way, we def need an evening kick off ie like the Italian game. All that will be needed it to change the posts, repaint the pitch and put up advertising hoardings etc. Im sure they'll manage that in the time between the two games.
SuperDave
19/10/2009, 4:35 PM
Sagna, Gallas, Abidal, Evra and Gourcuff
Under yellow card difficulties, so says lemonde.fr....
ah the joys of google translate.
French team that played against Austria in their final group game. I think its unfair to compare man for man as I think Ireland are performing greater than the sum of the parts at the moment whereas the opposite could be said of France. Nonetheless the likes of Henry, Govou, Benzema stand out and that is ignoring Evra, Anelka and Ribery who werent included for this game.
1 Hugo Lloris
4 Julien Escudé
17 Sebastien Squillaci
7 Rod Fanni
13 Gaël Clichy
15 Florent Malouda
18 Alou Diarra
6 Moussa Sissoko
12 Thierry Henry
8 Sidney Govou
10 Karim Benzema
Substitutes
16 Steve Mandanda
5 William Gallas
3 Eric Abidal
2 Bacary Sagna
14 Jeremy Toulalan
9 Bafetimbi Gomis
11 Andre Pierre Gignac
SuperDave
19/10/2009, 5:09 PM
Given > 8*Lloris
(SuperDave gives Given a smack with a karma stick)
ger121
19/10/2009, 5:12 PM
Was chatting to a French lad in work a couple weeks ago and was saying to him we'd get France, be at home for the 1st leg and go through on away goals. 0-0 in Croke Park and 1-1 in Paris. Got the 1st 2 right, fingers crossed I'm right about the result;)
bluemovie
19/10/2009, 5:34 PM
The one real positive are that France are French..... By that I mean that on a semi-regular basis they underperform drastically and have a complete howler, with the apathy of the Parisian crowd (not) ringing in their ears.
Nil all in Croker and I'd nearly back us.
Brilliant. Perfectly put - you didn't need the explanation. That's why I'd have confidence. The main thing is not to give up no matter what happens in the first leg.
How about the ultimate glory scenario......we lose 0-1 at home, then throw the kitchen sink at them in Paris, win 2-1 and go through on away goals. It wouldn't be pretty, but I could see them panicking if we need a goal at the end to win it and are chucking everything up to Folan, Richard Dunne, etc.
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