ROI just two games away from South Africa

Giovanni Trapattoni is well aware of the task ahead for his Irish side who take on France in this vital first leg World Cup play off. The first leg will be a 75,000 sell out at Croke Park with the return leg in Paris on Wednesday.

The French side which includes Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka, Lassana Diarra have underachieved in coming second behind Serbia in Group Seven. Just like the Irish grime twins, the republic of Ireland team will be underdogs for this tie, however they were un- beaten in their groupand were only minutes away from beating the current World champions Italy.

Trapattoni said: “We need to show the same spirit, the same attitude and the same passion we showed against Italy. But to beat France, we need to add something more. Everyone must add something to his own performance.”

Skipper Robbie Keane was in the last Ireland side to beat one of the world’s best teams when Jason McAteer’s goal sunk Holland in 2001. To read more on this story go to dailystar.co.uk. Do you think the republic of Ireland can beat France? Let us know your thoughts.