How the Republic of Ireland qualified into the play-offs
Unbeaten, yes – but not perfect. Four wins, no defeats, six draws.
The Republic of Ireland had an average run that put them through to the play-offs and stand the chance of qualifying to the finals of the World Cup which will take place in South Africa next year.
However, things could have been different and much more historic for the Irish if they had recorded two victories in October instead of two draws against Group 8’s leaders Italy and Montenegro respectively.
Still, the dream of reaching the finals of the World Cup in South Africa are alive as they managed to qualify for the play-offs comfortably above Bulgaria and the rest of the other teams lacking behind in the group.
How France qualified into the play-offs 
Les Bleus almost clinched automatic tickets to the finals of the World Cup in South Africa but the final points at the end of the campaign explained that they had not done enough to bypass Serbia and ultimately qualify.
France finished the long run with 21 points behind Serbia who picked up 22 points, and seven points above Austria who remained on 14 points in the end.
In September this year, Les Bleus failed to overcome their obstacles as they stumbled to two disappointing draws against Romania and Serbia.
These results narrowed France’s chances of taking hold of the first spot in the group, and despite recording good wins at home to the Faroe Islands and Austria in the last matches of the campaign, France could only afford a play-off place.
Statistical comparisons between the Republic of Ireland and France
The balance between the Republic of Ireland’s performance at home and away is equal. During the World Cup qualifiers, the Irish drew thrice at home and thrice away. They also won twice at home and twice away.
The Republic of Ireland scored six goals and conceded four at home – just like they did away.
Meanwhile, France’s statistics are more of a mixed issue. The 1998 World Cup champions mastered as much as six wins out of ten games overall, but they also drew thrice, and lost once.
Throughout the European World Cup qualifying campaign, France scored twice as much as they conceded.
Much of France’s weaknesses were exposed away from home though. Les Bleus won four and drew once out of five home games, but they failed to get these kind of positive results away.
Aside from winning two away matches, France drew twice and also experienced their only defeat of the campaign away from home.
They also conceded as much goals as they scored while playing away.
Mathematically, the Republic of Ireland have the edge over the French, especially because of their consistency at home compared to France’s struggles away.
However, there could be some improvement in the camp of Les Bleus who aim to hit the standard which they set eleven years ago when they won the World Cup on their own soil.
Different views from a few players to be involved
Reflecting on this upcoming encounter against France, Ireland’s goalkeeper Shay Given declared:
"Some people would say that France are the best team in the play-offs. But we're just focusing on going out there and playing our own game.
"We have to believe… We know France are the favorites but that's fine with us; it means there's more pressure on them.
“We need to just play our own game and give it everything. We have two massive games in front of us, but I think we are in with great chance of reaching the World Cup."
However, Arsenal’s defender Bacary Sagna is wary of the Irish and he took his time singling out some key players in their squad to analyze them as he spoke to L'Equipe.
Speaking about Shay Given first, Bacary Sagna said:
“Every great team needs an excellent goalkeeper. On that point, it is not a coincidence that Manchester City bought him [Shay Given] from Newcastle.
“Since the start of the season, he has saved the Citizens a multiple number of times and he has made exceptional saves.”
Bacary Sagna also had some compliments for Manchester United’s Irish defender John O’Shea. He described him as someone “accustomed to big games”.
Damien Duff and Kevin Doyle both received warm words from the Arsenal defender. However, the particular player that could make the difference according to Bacary Sagna is Spurs’ prolific striker Robbie Kean.
Sagna described Kean as “a true goal scorer” and “a complete striker, clever, and smart”.
Contrarily to Bacary Sagna who expressed signs of wariness towards the Irish, Manchester United’s Patrice Evra is relishing the challenge and he has deemed the French squad as a team with a “fighting spirit”.
Quick team news on both the Republic of Ireland and France
The Republic of Ireland’s coach, Giovanni Trapattoni, created a list of 25 players but it excluded the likes of Steven Finnan, Steven Reid, Clinton Morrison, and Andy Reid.
As expected, Aston Villa’s Richard Dunne, Manchester City’s Shay Given, Tottenham Hotspurs’ Robbie Keane, and Manchester United’s John O’Shea have all made it into the roaster.
Meanwhile, France’s coach Raymond Domenech has called up Lyon’s Aly Cissokho into the national team squad for the country’s upcoming games against the Republic of Ireland. However, Inter Milan’s midfielder Patrick Vieira has been excluded.
France’s World Cup play-offs squad:
Goalkeepers: Cedric Carrasso, Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda.
Defenders: Eric Abidal, Aly Cissokho, Julien Escude, Patrice Evra, Rod Fanni, William Gallas, Bacary Sagna, Sebastien Squillaci.
Midfielders: Abou Diaby, Alou Diarra, Lassana Diarra, Yoann Gourcuff, Florent Malouda, Moussa Sissoko, Jeremy Toulalan.
Forwards: Nicolas Anelka, Karim Benzema, Andre-Pierre Gignac, Loic Remy, Sidney Govou, Thierry Henry.
