Former champions France were 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 yesterday.
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 Nov. 14 before traveling to France four days later.
“I don’t think they wanted to play us either,” France technical director Gerard Houllier said. “Both teams start with an equal chance. A lot of Irish and French players play in the Premier League so it’s going to be a good game.”
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 Didier Deschamps, the former World Cup winner and the team’s captain in 1998.
Portugal, the runners-up in Group 1 behind winners Denmark, are set to face 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 campaign 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, with their last coming at the 2002 edition in Korea and Japan.
Portugal also flattered to deceive at times in Group 1 and they will be wary of a Bosnia-Herzegovina side that comfortably held off Turkey and Belgium to finish runners-up behind European champions Spain.
“We deserve to be here,” Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz said.
“It will be very difficult for both teams — everything for the winner and nothing for the loser. We have plenty of players with the experience to cope with that kind of situation.”
The Bosnians’ potent forward line could be boosted by the fact they are bidding for a first ever appearance at any major championships.
“We have a chance to play at the same level as Portugal,” Bosnia coach Miroslav Blazevic said. “We are a small country, very poor. The country would be very proud to qualify.”
The group winners from the European zone who have already qualified are Denmark, Switzerland, Slovakia, Germany, Spain, England, Serbia, Italy and the Netherlands.
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