It's France

[DeLorean]

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]

They would need 3 at this stage.

You are forgetting that after the first leg, FIFA will have changed the away goal rule.

[blobbyblob]

What times are the kick offs?

0 minutes and 45 minutes -

All the comedians are out today lads wehayyyyyyyy

[ken foree]

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]

You are forgetting that after the first leg, FIFA will have changed the away goal rule.

Of course, my bad.

[Duggie]

bloody what over 3 weeks till the games...agggggghhhhhhhh
God please keep robbie injury free above all.

[Reality Bites]

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]

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]

What's the story with the FAI website, I've been trying all afternoon to get on. Anyone manage it?

[cudsy1]

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/b...lic-of-ireland

[Tipp Townie]

(OG, Robinson and can't remember the third goalscorer).

Stapleton, to make it 2-1 i think

[John83]

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/b...lic-of-ireland

And when they seed the draw based on wins in the group stage, that'll be a valid point.

[Emmet7]

You are forgetting that after the first leg, FIFA will have changed the away goal rule.

And made the goalposts wider.

[CMcC]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[DotTV]

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/b...lic-of-ireland

France won 6...and 2 of those were against the Faroes. Our equivalent seed was Montenegro

[geysir]

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.