France handed tough Irish draw for playoffs

Former champions France have been handed a potentially tough test in their bid to qualify for the World Cup finals after drawing the Republic of Ireland in the play-offs Monday.

Giovanni Trapattoni’s Irish side were one of the most impressive sides in their qualifying group eight, which was dominated by Italy.

And they were one of two teams, the other being Ukraine, the French wanted to avoid for the two-leg playoff in which Ireland play at home on November 14 before travelling to France four days later.

On the plus side for France is the fact they will travel to Dublin’s Croke Park, where the capacity is around 82,000, first. A second leg there could have been a handicap.

“It’s good to have the return match at home in France,” said former World Cup winner and the team’s captain in 1998, Didier Deschamps.

Portugal, the runners-up in Group 1 behind winners Denmark, will meet Bosnia-Herzegovina over two legs with home advantage first.

Greece, runners-up in Group 2 behind Switzerland, will host Ukraine first before their second leg four days later while Russia host Slovenia first.

France had a mediocre qualifying camapaign in Group 7, won by Serbia, but eventually finished seven points ahead of third-placed Austria.

While France were winners in 1998, the Republic of Ireland are bidding for only their fourth appearance at the finals, their last coming at the 2002 edition in Korea/Japan.

Portugal also flattered to deceive at times in Group 1 and they will be wary of a Bosnia-Herzegovina side which comfortably held off Turkey and Belgium to finish runners-up behind European champions Spain.

The Bosnians’ potent forward line could be boosted by the fact they are bidding for a first ever appearance at any major championships.

The group winners from the European zone who have already qualified are Denmark, Switzerland, Slovakia, Germany, Spain, England, Serbia, Italy and the Netherlands.

Draw for the World Cup qualifying playoffs:

Republic of Ireland v France

Portugal v Bosnia-Herzegovina

Greece v Ukraine

Russia v Slovenia

Note: playoffs to be contested November 14 and 18. Four play-off winners qualify for 2010 World Cup.