Irish eyes smiling: Shay Given does not agree with
UEFA's unfair seeding system, but is confident Ireland can qualify
for the World Cup
Republic of Ireland v France
Portugal v Bosnia-Herzegovina
Greece v Ukraine
Russia v Slovenia
First leg ties to be played on 14 November; second leg on 18
Nov
Republic of Ireland have been drawn against 1998 winners
France as Giovanni Trapattoni's side bid to book their place at
next year's World Cup in South Africa.
The unseeded Irish finished second behind world champions Italy
in group eight and will host the Theirry Henry-lead side in Dublin
on November 14 before the crucial return leg at the Stade De France
four days later that will decide their 2010 fate.
France, beaten finalists in the last World Cup, were viewed as
the team to avoid along with Portugal and former
Manchester United ace
Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Irish, who last played in the finals in 2002, had
hoped for an easier fixture against Greece but in the draw in
Zurich, Everton's South African midfielder Steven Pienaar drew them
first out of the hat against the French.
Trapattoni at least can feel relieved that the Republic do not
have to play Russia on the artificial pitch at Moscow's Luzhniki
Stadium.
Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given is confident
Ireland can come out on top despite their underdogs tag but branded
UEFA's late-twist to seed teams as 'ridiculous'.
The former Newcastle star feels their decision is 'totally
unfair' and called president Michel Platini alleged
'French-bias' into question.
French fancy: Ireland go into the play-off against
Thierry Henry's France as the underdogs, particularly with the
decisive second leg set to played in Paris
'To change the rules a couple of weeks before the end of
the campaign is ridiculous if you ask me, but that’s what they’ve
done,' Given told talkSPORT radio.
'Platini is high up in UEFA and France are struggling to get
there. You just don’t know.
'I do think it’s very unfair. 'But we’ve got to keep our heads
down and get on with it. Given added: 'We’re obviously
delighted to be in the play-offs and whoever we play, it will be a
great two legs. 'We’ve got a really great chance of getting
there.'
In the other play-offs, Portugal will play Bosnia-Herzegovina,
Greece will face Ukraine and Russia take on Slovenia.
Eyes on the prize: Real Madrid superstar Cristiano
Ronaldo will look to book Portugal's passage to South Africa in a
tricky tie against Bosnia-Herzegovina
