“We’re only halfway there”

After the first legs of the European play-offs, France find themselves on the verge of claiming a World Cup ticket. They won the first match against Ireland (0-1), but Patrice Evra and Thierry Henry insist they still have a lot of work to do. “There are still ninety minutes to play.”

France enters the second leg with a lead, caused by Nicolas Anelka’s lucky goal. “I’m very happy, but I know we’re not there yet,” Henry said. “We still have a match to go and we know Ireland can be a difficult opponent. They’re capable of scoring but I’m glad they haven’t done that on Saturday.”

Evra also knows it could be a difficult game on Wednesday. “They are very dangerous from free kicks,” the Manchester United full-back said. “They had never lost in qualification, that says enough about their strength.”

“It’s going to be big game on Wednesday, but I’m ready. I really want to go to the World Cup, but I know we’re not there yet.”

Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni insists things can turn out differently for them. “I’ve seen enough surprises in my career,” the Italian said. “We played well and I won’t change my line-up for the return match.

“We just need to try to put more pressure on their defence. It is 50/50. It is only halfway. Anything can happen.”