What To Expect From The Game In Paris

**thejollyrodger** · 04/10/2004, 8:52 AM

O'Brien are probably the two most on form Irish players in the premiership

I was disapointed with O Brien yesterday, rather than defend he stuck up his hand at the ref looking for a offside. Then he decide to run back and put in a sliding tackle, missed and resulted in a goal. Bad defending!!

**Peadar** · 04/10/2004, 9:36 AM

I was just reading on the French Football Federation website that they haven't lost a game in the month of October in the last 10 years.
The ref for the game is Spaniard Arturo Dauden Ibanez, assisted by Clemente Ayete Plou and Juan Carlos Yuste Jimenez. Alberto Undiano Mallenco will be the fourth official.

I hope our level of expectation doesn't lead to a poor atmosphere if we take a cautious approach to the game. The French are dangerous and must be respected, especially since they're at home.

**Greenbod** · 04/10/2004, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by Slash/ED

Can someone please explain to me where this has come from? He never moans to the press, he rarely if ever gets sent off, he always trys his a*se off for Ireland and Newcastle and is generally one of the most determined players we have. He's not afraid of a tackle but rarely shows a lack of discipline, really, where has this come from? And despite the popular opinion, imo he's been bang on form this season. He's been excellent for Newcastle when I've seen him this season and has had more good games than bad for Ireland recently (Didn't someone say nobody has more assists under Kerr than him?).

Couldn't agree more Slash. This is a perfect example of how people's perception of a player can be skewed by some unfounded media reports. I think that fantasist Hyland in the Herald started this one.

**wws** · 04/10/2004, 10:19 AM

if a draw was offered now I'd take it no questions - the media are whipping the Irish public up into a "we can win this" vibe - which is always ominous - Ireland are great underdogs but sh;t favourites - the tag just doesnt work with us - we're battlers, scrappers, put em under pressurerers against all oddsers

anyone remember the last time we won a competitive game against a top class football nation away from home?????

I'm struggling to recall

take the draw, and be grateful if we get it!

that said if the frogs really are in turmoil the team should quickly sense that on the day and go for the jugular - but somehow I doubt france wont give us a hell of a game!

**tarzan_bray** · 04/10/2004, 11:45 AM

it's good news that Trezeguet is out, it will probably be Henry and Cisse up front then so

**thejollyrodger** · 04/10/2004, 12:40 PM

If we can get a 0-0 or 1-1 draw I will be very happy with Kerr.

At the back we still havent sorted things out and there are numerous problems for us all over the pitch. The French may well have some internal problems but they have so many players with such individual skill that we could well come away with nothing.

1 point will do nicely.