Republic of Ireland 0-1 France

Republic Of Ireland 0  France 1(Anelka,71)

 
In a tight match it was inevitable that there would be a large slice of luck involved for the 98 World Champions to leave Croke park with a lead for the second leg to end Giovanni Trappatoni’s proud unbeaten competitive record with Ireland.

The French scored early thru the Gypsy king Andre Pierre Guignac but he was well offside as he hit his lob over a stranded Shay Given. The Irish played well in the first half without making too many chances but holding the midfield well. Robbie Keane, Kevin Doyle and most notably Liam Lawrence all went close but the sides were still deadlocked at halftime.

Whatever Raymond Domenech said to his players at halftime it seemed to work as Nicola Anelka moved from the bizarre midfield berth he had been patrolling for the opening half and he and Thierry Henry were starting to work in tandem with Guignac playing as support to the stellar stars. The hammer came down in the 72nd minute as the ball fell to Anelka he scuffed his shot but it deflected off Sean St Ledger’s right buttock and span past a stranded Shay Given. The French were delighted and shut up shop with Aiden McGeady and Leon Best going close late on but given France’s porous record at home the fat lady ain’t even started tuning up and it’s still all to play for as the two teams chase an African summer.

Daniel "Pitchside" Pitcher Twitter: @DanFM104Sport About: Dan "Pitchside" Pitcher provides insight and commentary as the chief soccer and rugby correspondent for Sportspeak.