world cup qualifying
The Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni has called upon his squad to play with ‘warm hearts and cool heads’, ahead of tonight’s World Cup qualifying play off against France.
Words were exchanged in a few heated moments at the end of the first leg in a confrontation between Lassana Diarra and Keith Andrews and Trapattoni is keen for his players to remember the importance of the game and to put Saturday’s game and comments behind them.
The Republic of Ireland lost the first leg 1-0 thanks to a late deflected strike from Anelka and now face the battle of their lives at the Stade de France.
Castrol Perfomance data suggests that the Republic have nothing to fear when they face France on Wednesday night following their draw with World Cup holders Italy in Bari in April, Ireland restricted the Italians to just two shots on goal in that game while creating 12 chances themselves.
The Republic also controlled the game, having 66% of the overall possession, but they will not need reminding that Italy scored from their only shot on target while Roy Keane’s equaliser did not come until the 87th minute.
Data suggests that Keane could be the key player for Ireland in France if he can emulate his performance from Italy when he had three shots on goal as well as completing 33 of 39 passes successfully.
Castrol Performance sees the main threat from France coming in the form of Nicolas Anelka, the in form Chelsea striker has been a key factor in France’s bid to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, his goal on Saturday was his 12th in as many games, with France winning all of those matches.
Anelka has also had more shots on target than any of his team mates during the qualifying campaign and against Ireland he had an outstanding game, receiving 53 passes, showing excellent composure on the ball and completing 90% of his passes (43 out of 48).
castrol performance research
While I would love to see the Republic of Ireland qualify for the World Cup finals in 2010 they do have a massive hill to climb and although France are no longer the threat of a few years ago, only an indifferent performance (not that rare) from ‘Les Bleus’ will allow Ireland to qualify.
1 comment so far
1 Fabio // Nov 20, 2009 at 7:33 pm
http://www.noafricaforfrance.com
We invite all the honest fans, whatever country, football faith or team to take part to this petition we will send to FIFA, in order to ask for the football match France-Ireland (ended 1-1) to be repeated. The goal Gallas scored was made defective by Thierry Henry’s double handball.
This petition won’t be against the French people we respect for their sense of honesty and love for justice.
We compel the World Football Government to listen to us. If we collect millions of signatures they won’t be able to ignore it. Football wouldn’t exist if we didn’t follow, support and love it.