France v Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland have it all to do in the return leg of their World Cup Qualifying playoff as they must score a least 2 goals to defeat France after losing at home by a score of 0-1 on Saturday at Croke Park.

The side managed by Giovanni Trappatoni committed a grave sin at home in that first leg match as not only did the fail to score, but they conceded the all important goal at home. Nicholas Anelka scored the match winner for the French side managed by Raymond Domenech 72 minutes into the match. While Ireland did not lose a single match during the group stage of qualifying, it will take a super human effort to get the job done away to France in this match.

The home side France have been anything but impressive during this edition of the qualifiers. However, that goal by Anelka may prove to be all they needed to reach South Africa 2010 . France go into this match knowing that two out of 3 results- a win or a draw- will see them through. This return leg match promises to be emotionally charged after the Irish did not take to kindly to some slurs from France’s Lassana Diarra following the game in Dublin.

Live World Cup Qualifying
France v Republic of Ireland
Stade de France, kick off 2000 hours