Russia already defeated Slovenia 2-1, however a late goal by the visitors might make the return leg much more interesting than had Russia preserved their 2-0 goal cushion. With the away goal in hand, Slovenia would progress with a simple 1-0 victory from their home match. Meanwhile Ukraine and Greece are deadlocked at 0-0 with less than 10 minutes left in the first half, however Sheva had a screamer of a free kick warm the Greek keepers' gloves in the 7th minute.
But on to what I and would guess most neutral footie fans are looking for - France v Ireland - it is the most intriguing match up. Domenech v Trapattoni, a large percentage of players from the Premiership, France's maddening inconsistency and the potential to see the biggest footballing nation miss next ye
ar's World Cup. I still stand by my believe that Les Bleus will find a way to go through. I think another player to watch for is Anelka. As Lekarlokin commented a few posts ago, Anelka should be very motivated during these matches (granted any player that is at the doorstep of a World Cup needs no added incentive) because this is his last chance to play in his first world cup. Granted he could be a factor in 4 years, but I doubt it. If France do not make the World Cup the team will be completely revamped - Henry, Gallas, Anelka, Vieira to name a few will most likely be done as French internationals. Anelka was one of the last players cut in 1998, was left at home in 2002 with DCisse taking his place (Cisse was the leading scorer in Ligue 1 that year), and was somewhat inexplicably left at home in 2006 after the same Cisse suffered a horrific broken leg in a pre World Cup game against China (Domenech's binky Govou was preferred over Anelka...not sure why you look to take a winger on rather than another pure striker). So we arrive at this week, which might be just the platform a player such as Anelka needs to shine to get his team into the World Cup finals. I think he could hold the key to France's success - if he is lined up on the right he will be asked to bring width to the French attack and find a way to link up with Sagna as the Arsenal man makes his trademark runs on the right flank. If Anelka is lined up as the lone striker, France will need him to provide much of the danger for Shay Given. Of course if he ends up on the bench...he might need to come on late in the game to give the change of pace necessary to snatch a goal from the Irish. Allez Nico! Prends ta chance!!!One final note, it appears that the grounds crew have decided to water the pitch even though it has been raining...hmmm making the pitch water logged are we...maybe slow down the French attack? Increase the risk of losing ones' footing during free kicks????
Allez les Bleus!!!!
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