It's France

**DeNiro** · 19/10/2009, 1:47 PM

Originally Posted by geysir

10:10 AM

Do you think we will get through

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.

**siasy** · 19/10/2009, 2:01 PM

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

Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

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

Originally Posted by seanfhear

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

**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

Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

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

Originally Posted by boysingreen

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

Originally Posted by Predator

This sounds almost perfect!

Its sounds horrible what he outlined, but id take it

**boysingreen** · 19/10/2009, 2:23 PM

Originally Posted by John83

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

Originally Posted by Tipp Townie

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

Originally Posted by boysingreen

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?

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