Whistles greet the half-time whistle in Paris
Although the boys in green and white were dreaming of it, few were backing the Republic of Ireland to cause France problems.
There is still a big forty-five minutes to go but Robbie Keane’s finish from an exquisite flowing move has tied this game and equalled France’s away goal. The thing to remember is that France do not have the opportunity to score another away goal but the Republic do. The simple facts are, if Ireland can score another goal, France will need to grab two to qualify for the World Cup.
After a stuttering start, the Irish midfield started to take control and this led to a stronger flow of the ball going forward in the direction the Irish fans want it. There is no doubt that players like Henry and Anelka have a touch of class when they have the ball but they are perhaps lacking in work ethic.
Much of the Republic’s success in the first half came through a lack of pressing in the French front line allowing Ireland to surge on. With a numerical advantage in midfield, Ireland were able to push on and it was Robbie Keane, as usual, who was in the right place at the right time to punish the French.
Kevin Kilbane was able to release Fulham winger Damien Duff who cut the ball back to the on-rushing Keane. Some strikers would have been flustered but Keane remained calm and applied a calm finish to square the tie…and as he predicted, Robbie has rattled the French
Thanks to ITN News
With forty five minutes to go, this tie is very much in the balance but Ireland deserve to be back on level pegging.
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