France vs Ireland Preview, Live Score: World Cup 2010 Qualifying Playoff

Both Ireland and France face a tough task ahead of the second-leg qualifying match of world cup 2010. France was lucky to win the first game at Croke Park in Dublin last Saturday as Nicolas Anelka’s deflated goal in the 72 minutes earned the visitors a crucial victory. Now, France definitely has a good advantage over Ireland ahead of Wednesday’s (28 November) home game. The match will take place at the Stade de France and naturally France will have home advantage in the game too.

For live score and updates of the match, visit this entry:

France vs Ireland Live Score Updates

Match: France vs Ireland; Second Leg of European Playoff; FIFA World Cup 2010 Qualification

Date: 18 November 2009

Venue: Stade de France, France

Kick off: GMT 20:00; France 21:00; Indian time 1:30am (19 November), New York 16:00

It is a game for which millions of football fans in France and Ireland are waiting for. A draw would be enough to France to go through, while Ireland must score a goal, if they want to take it to extra time. France is confident, but they also know that Ireland would try their best to clinch a world cup spot after 8 years. France should also be aware of the fact that even a 2-1 defeat would be enough for the visitors to go through to the world cup finals.

Naturally, France has no scope to take the Irish side lightly. In fact, Ireland was in dominating form against France in the first leg game, even though they were unlucky not to win the game. For France, it would be an utter humiliation, if they fail to reach the world cup 2010. They are the world champions of 1998 and considered to be one of the football powerhouses in the world. So, many football fans would be disappointed not to see them in the most prestigious football tournament in the globe.

Despite having an advantage, France is not feeling complacency ahead of the game and players are also aware of it. Striker Nicolas Anelka has said that France must play for win, rather than defending for a draw.

USA Today reported:

The 30-year-old Chelsea striker, who has yet to play in a World Cup after being overlooked by the coaches in the past three, is taking nothing for granted.

"We shouldn't get carried away, anything can happen," said Anelka, who believes it would be wrong for his side to concentrate on defense. "We will play to win on Wednesday because that's the only way we can play freely."

It is pretty much understandable that Ireland would be in attacking mode from the very beginning of the game as they know that they must score a goal. Robbie Keane is a quality forward, and along with Kevin Doyle he could make strong attacking line up against France. However, Ireland should also ensure that they would keep a clean sheet because a goal by France could snatch their world cup hopes away.

However, France has a number of injury woes. Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby has pulled out of France’s second leg match as he has failed to recover from his left calf injury.

Imscouting reported:

Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby has been pulled out of the Les Bleus squad after failing to recover from a left calf injury.
Diaby picked up the injury nine days ago in the 4-1 win at Wolves but was still included in the squad by Raymond Domenech despite the objections of manager Arsene Wenger who said he would be out for three weeks.

Eric Abidal and Jeremy Toulalan are also missing France’s upcoming second leg match against Ireland on injury ground. Still, France has a very good squad in the presence of some of the world class players like Anelka, Henry, Gallas, Evra, Karim Benzema and some others.

Online Live Score and Updates

Here, I am giving some live score and updates websites from where you can get the live score of the match:

Live Score

Goalzz

Live Football Scores

Goal.com

Footie Scorez

France seems to have a little edge over Ireland, but given the significance of the game, it is pretty much certain that Ireland would not leave any stone unturned to win the world cup ticket this time. On the other hand, France will be determined to ensure their world cup qualification in their attempt to save the face. Overall, both sides will try to give their 100 percent because of the significance of the game.