Ireland's French Lessons
By Ade O`Connor
December 5 2003
The Republic of Ireland have been handed a tough route to the World Cup in Germany, with 1998 champions France being one of the hurdles Brian Kerr’s team will need to negotiate. Euro 2004 qualifying conquerors Switzerland, Israel, Cyprus and the Faroe Islands make up the rest of Group 4.
By Ade O`Connor
December 5 2003
The Republic of Ireland have been handed a tough route to the World Cup in Germany, with 1998 champions France being one of the hurdles Brian Kerr’s team will need to negotiate. Euro 2004 qualifying conquerors Switzerland, Israel, Cyprus and the Faroe Islands make up the rest of Group 4.
From the draw made on Friday in Frankfurt, Kerr will begin his extensive preparation for a tournament. Although it will be a nigh on impossible task to shift the French, Ireland must concentrate on crunch matches against the Swiss and Israel.
Cyprus will not be unfamiliar opponents for a number of the Irish squad, the team from the Mediterranean competed with Ireland on the road to the World Cup in 2002; Ireland emerged 4-0 victors in both ties.
The Faroe Islands gave Scotland a great deal of trouble recently, holding them to a draw on their home tie, and scoring an equalising goal at Hampden Park, before eventually losing out.
Israel, though technically not in Europe, will be a hard draw for the Republic. Whether the Israelis will play home games in Israel is unclear, given the unstable nature of the Middle East. Wherever the tie, expect Israel to push all the way.
Switzerland are still fresh in the minds of Ireland, after ruining any hope of qualifying for Euro 2004 with a 2-0 defeat inflicted. The likes of Robbie Keane and Damien Duff will no doubt be looking to exact revenge.
Top seeds France need no introduction, players like Patrick Vieira and Zidane are already World Cup winners, following the disappointment of World Cup 2002 – France have been back to their ominous best of late.
Group 4:
France
Republic of Ireland
Switzerland
Israel
Cyprus
Faroe Islands
Cyprus will not be unfamiliar opponents for a number of the Irish squad, the team from the Mediterranean competed with Ireland on the road to the World Cup in 2002; Ireland emerged 4-0 victors in both ties.
The Faroe Islands gave Scotland a great deal of trouble recently, holding them to a draw on their home tie, and scoring an equalising goal at Hampden Park, before eventually losing out.
Israel, though technically not in Europe, will be a hard draw for the Republic. Whether the Israelis will play home games in Israel is unclear, given the unstable nature of the Middle East. Wherever the tie, expect Israel to push all the way.
Switzerland are still fresh in the minds of Ireland, after ruining any hope of qualifying for Euro 2004 with a 2-0 defeat inflicted. The likes of Robbie Keane and Damien Duff will no doubt be looking to exact revenge.
Top seeds France need no introduction, players like Patrick Vieira and Zidane are already World Cup winners, following the disappointment of World Cup 2002 – France have been back to their ominous best of late.
Group 4:
France
Republic of Ireland
Switzerland
Israel
Cyprus
Faroe Islands
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