Its not over till the last whistle

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Many Irish believe this is the year that Ireland can make up for not qualifying for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. They almost won top spot in their group, but Italy just snatched it, so that left Ireland with a play-off against France.Ireland fans before the gameAround 81000 people packed into Croke Park for this crucial game, and after the anthems were sung the action began. The first real chance of the game went in, but the offside flag was raised immediately, A ball over the top by Abidal found Andre-Pierre  Andre Dawson Jersey Gignac who was offside. Just before the half hour mark Ireland shouldve been ahead when a Robbie Keane shot was saved by Hugo Lloris and then the rebound was somehow mi sed by Liam Lawrence. Ireland would of probably been happy with a draw at half-time so Trapatoni will of told them to keep playing like they are as they seem to be more in control than France, but that was all going to change in the second half.Straight after the  Alec Mills Jersey kick-off France attacked, unfortunately for Les Bleus Bacary Sagnas cro s came to nothing. Irelands first chance of the half was started when Damien Duffs back heel was put out for a corner by Sagna. From the corner Richard Dunne was found un-marked and he headed the ball into the danger zone where Robbie Keane was found to be offside. Shortly after that Ireland attack La Kosuke Fukudome Jersey  sana Diarra almost scored from 30-yards out, his stunning shot only went wide by a few inches. France were intotal control,so Trapattoni brought on Coventry striker Leon Best on for Kevin Doyle.Twominutes after the sub France were ahead, Diarra pa sed to Gourcuff who with his back to goal played the ball to Nicolas Anelka whose shot deflected off Sean St. Ledger and found its way into the back off the net to give France the advantage. The French had the chance to make it 2-0 when Shay Given was on the floor but Gignacs shot was so bad it went out for a throw in. France just saw out the game and were obviously happy with a 1-0 winin Ireland. When the whistle went Irelands fans seemed to think they could win in France, but it also seems that the French think its all over. Then suddenly a fightstarted in the centre circle between the two teams. Eventually it stops but that just sums up Irelands day.Anelka Willson Contreras Jersey  celebrating his goalSomething just wasnt there in the second half from Ireland. They really need to change because if they play like that in Paris they will be destroyed. The only hope is that Eric Abidal and Jeremy Toulahan wont be playing in Paris through injury. Giovani Victor Caratini Jersey  Trapatoni hasa big challenge, and know the pre sure really kicks in. Remember though, it isnt over till the final whistle!DevastatedIreland Player RatingsGiven 6OShea 7St. Ledger 6Dunne 6Kilbane 5Lawrence 6Andrews 6Whelan 7Duff 7Keane 6Doyle 5SubsBest 6France Player RatingsLloris 8Sagna 6Gallas 6Abidal 5Evra 6A. Diarra 6L. Diarra 8Gourcuff 4Anelka 8Henry 7Gignac 6Man Of The Match: Nicolas Anelka (France)
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