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Trap not confident of replay 
International soccer 20/11/09GIOVANNI Trapattoni last night backed the FAI’s demand for a replay against World Cup play-off opponents France but was pessimistic about the outcome. The Republic of Ireland manager hoped that pressure would be brought to bear on France and FIFA, but was more hopeful...
Time for technology say club managers
Soccer 20/11/09Former Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has called for the use of technology following Wednesday night’s controversy in Paris and claimed ‘‘football is the real loser.’’ McCarthy, who skippered Ireland in the 1990 World Cup and guided them to the 2002 finals as manager, said: ‘‘It is a...
Duff’s blast at FIFA
International soccer 20/11/09DAMIEN Duff has sensationally accused FIFA of being involved in a conspiracy with France and their business interests after the Republic of Ireland were knocked out of the World Cup play-offs in Paris. The Irish international pointed the finger firmly at football’s world governing body, UEFA president and former French...
McCormack Cup final place within reach for Omagh CBS
BT MacRory Cup 20/11/09OMAGH CBS will know this afternoon what, if anything, they need to do against Abbey CBS on Tuesday in order to qualify for the MacCormack Cup final. Omagh are unbeaten in their four games to date, but those eight points could be equalled by St Colman’s...
HENRY TAKES THE HAND
World Cup 2010 Qualifying play-off, second leg: France 1 Republic of Ireland 1 (after extra time: agg-2-1) 19/11/09
REPUBLIC of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni said he was ‘‘angry’’ after a blatant Thierry Henry handball put paid to the Republic of Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for next year’s World Cup finals last night. Henry’s assist for William Gallas’ extra-time equaliser meant that...
Controversial Gallas strike ends Ireland’s World Cup hopes
World Cup 2010 Qualifying play-off, second leg: France 1 Republic of Ireland 1 (aet – France win 2-1 on aggregate) 19/11/09SO the hand of Henry settled this epic, unforgettable affair in Paris. The Republic of Ireland players bared their souls in the French capital last night and were undone by a blatant handball. Given the massive prize at stake, it is probably a wound that will never heal...
Player Ratings
World Cup 2010 Qualifying play-off, second leg: France 1 Republic of Ireland 1 (aet – France win 2-1 on aggregate) 19/11/09Ireland Ratings
Shay Given: The Lifford man had one of his finest games in the green jersey. The Man City ‘keeper showed his mettle by cleanly saving from Gourcuff’s wicked free-kick and handling a...
Slovenians stun Russia to qualify
World Cup 2010 Qualifying play-offs 19/11/09Slovenia reached the 2010 World Cup finals at the expense of nine-man Russia thanks to Zlatko Dedic’s 44th-minute goal on a dramatic night in Maribor that saw them join France, Portugal and Greece as the final European qualifiers.
Trap’s men have it all to do in Paris to keep dream alive
World Cup 2010 Qualifying play-off, second leg: France (1) v Republic of Ireland (0) (tonight, 8pm, live on RTE 2 and Sky Sports 1) 18/11/09THE Republic of Ireland stand on the brink. It will be either a night of great celebrations in Paris or another gut-wrenching experience for the Irish players and long-suffering supporters. The smart money is firmly on France to finish the job off ahead of this evening’s...
Norwood peach all in vain
Uefa European U21 Championship Qualifying 18/11/09Northern Ireland...............1
Czech Republic .................2
Manchester United's promising midfielder Oliver Norwood emphasised his ability from dead-ball situations for the second successive European Championship qualifier but it was not enough for Northern Ireland to...
World Cup dream a bridge too far for gutsy Ireland
World Cup 2010 Qualifying play-off, second leg: France (1) v Republic of Ireland (0) (tonight, 8pm, live on RTE 2 and Sky Sports 1) 18/11/09CARS and scooters scuttled and weaved manically along the four laneways of Rue La Fayette yesterday afternoon as the cool, damp air wrapped itself around busy Parisians flanking the pavements. There is nothing romantic about Paris – at least not in November.
France are not sum of their parts: Gibson
World Cup 2010 Qualifying play-off, second leg: France (1) v Republic of Ireland (0) (tonight, 8pm, live on RTE 2 and Sky Sports 1) 18/11/09WHILE high-profile absentees Stephen Ireland, Andy Reid and Steven Reid have hogged the headlines during the Republic of Ireland’s 2010 World Cup finals tilt, Darron Gibson has been happy chipping away in the background. Despite playing second fiddle to Glenn Whelan and Keith Andrews during World...
Trap bullish ahead of play-off
Soccer 18/11/09IT was hard to decipher Giovanni Trapattoni’s mood at last night’s pre-match press conference at Stade De France. He was either subdued, business-like or simply feeling under the weather. Unlike last Friday’s media call, there was no joking around with the press ahead of tonight’s game-defining World Cup...
There will be a twist insists Keane
Soccer 18/11/09ROBBIE Keane last night warned the French there would be a “twist” in this evening’s make-or-break World Cup play-off second leg clash in Paris. The Spurs striker was in determined mood ahead of their second meeting with France in four days that will decide who...
RTE to show crunch clash
Soccer 18/11/09REPUBLIC of Ireland fans will be able to watch as their nation’s bid for World Cup qualification comes to a conclusion after television bosses finally struck a deal. Tonight’s play-off second-leg clash with France in Paris will be screened live on RTE 2, also broadcast on RTE Radio...
Tardelli: Ireland will put it up to French
World Cup 2010 Qualifying play-offs 17/11/09Marco Tardelli is backing the Republic of Ireland to push France all the way as they attempt to resurrect their World Cup dreams in Paris. The Republic squad know their hopes of making it to South Africa next summer will be decided at the Stade...
Hunt for a new boss under way in Scotland
International soccer 17/11/09Craig Brown would love to see Billy Davies succeed George Burley as Scotland manager – but believes there is little chance of that happening. Davies took over as manager of Nottingham Forest in January this year after impressing in spells at...
Givens forced to ring changes for Armenia trip
European U21 Championship Qualifying Group 2: Armenia U21 v Republic of Ireland U21 (today, 11pm) 17/11/09Republic of Ireland U21 boss Don Givens will be forced to make changes as he attempts to end his wait for a European Championship qualifying victory in Armenia. Givens will be without suspended skipper Owen Garvan as well as injured duo Seamus Coleman and Sean...
Time for Plan B
World Cup 2010 Qualifying play-offs 17/11/09Andrews plots end of French resistance
The Republic of Ireland head into their decisive World Cup play-off clash with France at full strength. But Keith Andrews knows they must to turn to Plan B if they are to pull off a remarkable...
Worthington casts eye over U21s
European U21 Championship Qualifying Group 5: Northern Ireland v Czech Rep (tonight, Ballymena, 7.45pm) 17/11/09The Northern Ireland U21 side will have extra motivation to impress tonight when they face the Czech Republic in a European Championship qualifier at Ballymena. Senior manager Nigel Worthington is taking in the game after assisting with training after a quick break.
Burley axed by Scotland following Welsh loss
International soccer 17/11/09The Scottish Football Association last night confirmed George Burley’s sacking as Scotland manager. The SFA acted quickly after Scotland fans turned on Burley during Saturday’s 3-0 friendly defeat by Wales. Chief executive Gordon Smith canvassed his 10...
Reds move on up after thrilling win over Newry
Carling Premiership 16/11/09CLIFTONVILLE jumped into the top half of the Carling Premiership table following a thrilling 3-2 victory over Newry City at Solitude yesterday. The Reds, who started the day in ninth, opened the scoring in the ninth minute through Ronan Scannell’s acrobatic...
McGinn offers hope as Serbs shade it
International soccer friendly: Northern Ireland 0 Serbia 1 16/11/09A TALE of two 22-year-old wingers as a second-string Serbia side showed their strength in depth to see off Northern Ireland. Celtic’s Niall McGinn was named Man of the Match in an entertaining friendly, which was won by a superb 57th...
Brazil are our biggest threat insists Capello
International soccer friendly: Brazil 1 England 0 16/11/09Fabio Capello has identified Brazil as the biggest threat to England’s hopes of ending 43 years of hurt by winning the World Cup next year. Throughout his largely impressive reign, Capello has continually stressed his admiration for Spain. The Euro 2008...
Fletch: We’ve no confidence
International soccer friendly: Wales 3 Scotland 0 16/11/09Darren Fletcher insists Scotland’s inability to stage any sort of fightback against Wales was down to shattered confidence and not a lack of desire to play for manager George Burley. The Scots found themselves trailing by three goals from David Edwards, Simon Church and Aaron...
We didn’t Bos match: Deco
Soccer 16/11/09Portugal midfielder Deco admitted his side rode their luck as they claimed a 1-0 win in the first leg of their World Cup 2010 qualifying play-off, first leg against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Lisbon. Porto defender Bruno Alves scored the only goal of the game after 31 minutes when he...
Optimism in short supply as Nic dents Irish hope
World Cup 2010 Qualifying play-off, first leg: Republic of Ireland 0 France 1 16/11/09So the Irish nation still clings to the hope of Giovanni Trapattoni turning water into wine in Paris on Wednesday night. Reaching the World Cup play-offs was an ambitious aim achieved by the veteran coach but, as Saturday night coldly illustrated, beating France over two legs would...
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND RATINGS
World Cup 2010 Qualifying play-off, first leg: Republic of Ireland 0 France 1 16/11/09Shay Given: No chance for Anelka’s deflected winner. The Man City ’keeper wasn’t over-extended, apart from diving bravely at the feet of Anelka in the 81st minute after Kilbane’s short back pass. 6
John O’Shea: Started nervously, but kept Thierry Henry relatively quiet for most...
Tie is not Dunne and dusted yet insists defender
World Cup 2010 Qualifying play-off, first leg: Republic of Ireland 0 France 1 16/11/09THE mixed zone underneath the Hogan Stand was not one of the best places in the world to be on Saturday night, especially after such a soul-destroying defeat. Reporters hung over the barricades at the back entrance of both the Irish and French dressing rooms.
Andrews fired up for second leg
World Cup 2010 Qualifying play-offs 16/11/09MIDFIELDER Keith Andrews will need no extra motivation as he heads into the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup showdown with France. The 29-year-old Dubliner became embroiled in a furious row with France’s Lassana Diarra, which...
MISSION: POSSIBLE
Soccer 14/11/09
AFTER 10 competitive games, most of which were instantly forgettable affairs, it came down to this. A stuffy room buried deep in the bowels of the Grand Hotel in Malahide yesterday afternoon.
The talking is over, time for action
Soccer 14/11/09IT was almost like the master had completed a journey in Malahide yesterday. He would walk them to the exam hall doors and wish them good luck. It was now up to his students to take ownership of the World Cup project.
Croke cheer can help Ireland end French resistance: Keane
Soccer 14/11/09THERE is always at least one crime committed against journalism at these events. And it almost always involves Robbie Keane
answering the same question about the fanatical Irish supporters.
Norwood stunner earns draw for U21s
Soccer 14/11/09MANCHESTER United midfielder Oliver
Norwood secured a point for Northern Ireland U21s with a superb free-kick in stoppage time at The Oval last night.
Nigel keen to ‘move forward’ with North
Soccer 14/11/09Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington, whose contract expires in six weeks’ time, has given a clear indication he wants to extend his stay as he is planning ahead.
Reds hoping to keep run going
Soccer 14/11/09CLIFTONVILLE will be aiming to record a fourth consecutive victory tomorrow as Newry City make the journey to Solitude.
Waterloo for Les Bleus?
Soccer 14/11/09Embattled France boss Raymond Domenech was in defiant mood as he arrived in Dublin last night for his side’s World Cup showdown with the Republic of Ireland.
England door closes, another opens
Soccer 14/11/09A door closed or the chance for a fresh start and change of direction? It’s really a matter of opinion. Put yourself among the pessimists and Thursday’s snub from the English Premier League, is a disaster, the withdrawal of a lifeline that would have promised new challenges and vital funding to Scotland’s biggest clubs.
Rooney the captain as Dunga aims for a result
Soccer 14/11/09Fabio Capello will hand Wayne Rooney the captain’s armband today and place his trust in the Manchester United star if John Terry does not overcome an ankle problem.
Hair-plane hold-up for Savage
Soccer 14/11/09ROY Keane never would’ve stood for it, but the news the Frank Lampard is out for three/six/eight weeks (depending on what media outlet you believe) with a thigh injury caused but the England team travelling to Doha in economy class, does nothing to help the pampered image of modern footballers.
Take 15/8 Ireland for a shock
Soccer 14/11/09It's make or break for Giovanni Trapattoni's Republic of Ireland. The Green Army face into the World Cup play-off against France with a place in South Africa next summer at stake.
Danyl is the value bet to get back into contention
Soccer 14/11/09There is no doubt that this year’s X-Factor is the most talked about yet writes Nicola McGeady. We all know the reason why – Jedward.
Magpies can continue march through Ulster
Soccer 14/11/09THE Ulster Club Football Championship has reached the semi-final stage and with favourites St Gall’s stuttering into the last four, it is proving a very difficult competition to predict writes Niall McCoy.
Not a Dunne deal
Soccer 13/11/09Richard Dunne has warned France not to underestimate the Republic of Ireland as they attempt to reach the World Cup finals. Raymond Domenech’s side head for Dublin today for tomorrow’s play-off first leg at Croke Park ahead of the return leg in Paris next Wednesday.
Abidal ready for battle
Soccer 13/11/09DEFENDER Eric Abidal has urged France not to fall for the Republic of Ireland’s “provocation” tomorrow.
Let’s make French Green with envy
Soccer 13/11/09With Ireland’s biggest game in years just a day away, Chris McCann of the ‘You Boys In Green’ fanzine calls on fans to summon the spirit of ’88, ’90, ’94 and 2002...
Ferguson facing two matches in the stands
Soccer 13/11/09Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson will serve a touchline ban in his side’s matches at home to Everton and away at Portsmouth after being punished for his comments about referee Alan Wiley.
Country may come first for Robinho
Soccer 13/11/09Robinho could play for Brazil in tomorrow’s friendly with England after all. The Manchester City striker has not played since injuring his ankle on international duty in September, but flew to Abu Dhabi for the start of the Blues’ warm-weather training camp earlier this week.
City get a boost
Soccer 13/11/09FAI chief executive John Delaney admits he’s “even more optimistic” that Derry City will return to League of Ireland football next
season.
Celts and ’Gers staying put as England says no
Soccer 13/11/09Premier League chief executive Richard
Scudamore yesterday insisted the campaign for Celtic and Rangers to be allowed to join the English top flight is over for good, saying: “No means no.”
Blues can cope without Drogba
Soccer 13/11/09Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien insists the club can cope without its African contingent in January.
The Blues will lose Essien (below), strikers Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou, as well as Nigerian John Mikel Obi to the African Nations Cup in Angola during that month.
Fans are facing a Paris blackout
Soccer 13/11/09Irish football fans are facing a television black-out amid a row over the rights for the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup showdown with France.
Robin’s got no killer instinct
Soccer 13/11/09Arsenal marksman Robin van Persie feels he is unlikely ever to become a “real killer” in front of goal like Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba.
Niall makes Swift rise
Soccer 13/11/09NIALL McGinn is beginning to find his feet for
Northern Ireland and Celtic. Now the pacy winger wants to keep his good form going and put World Cup finalists Serbia to the sword
tomorrow in a friendly at Windsor Park.
