Recent entries in World Cup 2010
World Cup Qualifier betting tips for Republic of Ireland v France
Daniel McDonnell / 13 November 2009 Free Bet View Market
Trapattoni is confident that Ireland can get a draw at the very least.
"The reassurance for Trapattoni’s stars is that while they may be up against a team packed with superstars, France finished second in a group topped by Serbia for a reason. "
THE wait is almost over. And what a wait it's been. The build-up to Ireland's World Cup playoff with France has been ongoing since the draw on October 19, but the anticipation that Giovanni Trapattoni's men would face a two-legged showdown to decide their fate has existed for considerably longer.
In September, it became apparent that Italy would win World Cup Group Eight thus consigning Ireland to the lottery of this knockout stage; a lottery that was doctored beforehand when FIFA moved the goalposts by seeding the eight teams involved which means an underdog like the Irish must encounter a genuine big-gun.
So here we are. France arrive in Dublin this evening with the locals speaking with respect about the ability of the players, but with scepticism about the unity of their group and the ability of the manager, Raymond Domenech.
The reassurance for Trapattoni's stars is that while they may be up against a team packed with superstars, France finished second in a group topped by Serbia for a reason. They lost a game - 3-1 away in Austria - whereas Ireland went through the campaign unbeaten. And while the Irish group has been united, disharmony between Domenech and his players has been well publicised. Reasons to be optimistic then.
From a betting perspective, tomorrow's first leg is devilishly difficult to call because it's hard to know what the respective priorities will be. There are mixed messages from the Irish camp. On one hand, you have Trapattoni speaking with certainty about the priority being a clean sheet - the dreaded away goal could made the trip to Paris very difficult even if Ireland match the total at Croke Park.
On the other hand, you have Liam Brady speaking about the need to take any kind of advantage to Stade de France.
Meanwhile, the French are expecting an intimidating atmosphere at Croke Park and seem content that if they avoid a defeat by any means tomorrow evening then they will finish the job next week. In fact, you sense that Domenech's stars believe they will triumph on their own turf once they are anywhere within touching distance upon their return to familiar settings.
The irony, of course, is that this Irish side have actually been far more effective away from home than they have been at Croke Park. A scoreless draw here would be far from a disaster as Trapattoni's men have scored in every game away from home - notably in Bulgaria and in Italy. This French defence is more porous than the last named.
However, the reality is that they possess attacking strength in abundance. They have stars like Karim Benzema, Florent Malouda and Sidney Govou who probably won't even make their starting XI.
For all that Trapattoni has brought organisation to this Irish team, they have a habit of conceding goals at inappropriate times. They twice gave away the lead against Italy last month, and in both games against Bulgaria conceded strong positions with a lack of concentration. Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka and Andre-Pierre Gignac will not be scared by the rearguard they encounter.
In summation, it's very difficult to see Ireland keeping the clean sheet they desire but, on the flip side, it's also hard to envisage the hosts failing to ruffle the feathers of a Les Bleus side which is definitely vulnerable defensively and mentally.
Therefore, the percentage call is a familiar theme. Ireland take the lead but, ultimately, let it go before setting off for Paris in hope rather than expectation.
BEST BETS: First Leg
The Draw @ [3.2]
Ireland/Draw - Half Time/Full Time @ [17.0]
Correct Score 1-1 @ [7.1]
First Goal 11-20 Minutes @ [5.5]
Next Goal: Ireland @ [2.16]
