Trappatoni Convicnced Over World Cup Prospects

The Republic of Ireland manager has expressed his conviction that Ireland can get a result against the troubled French squad in order to reach the World Cup finals.

Ireland just fell short of automatic qualification despite an unbeaten group stage, and now face the previous finalists in the playoffs round.

The drawing of the two teams has sparked some controversy however, as FIFA's recent decision to seed the playoff entrants made it more likely for Ireland to be drawn against a difficult team.

Trappatoni's team will now have to beat former World Cup winners France over two legs if they are to make it to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The Italian, who is head coach of the Irish team said: "We have come out of a group containing the current world champions, Italy, and have got positive results against them in both games.

"Now we face the 2006 World Cup finalists and our results to date will give us the conviction and the belief that we can get a result.

"We have done well so far but over the 180 minutes we must give something additional and we will have to be even more concentrated and focused than we have been until now."

French coach Domenech has come under fire from the French press after a campaign of with poor results and performances, and a team plagued by in-fighting and egos. However, the side does contain some of the worlds best with the likes of Thierry Henry and Franck Ribery filling topping off the otherwise strong side.

The first leg of the playoff begins in November 14th at Lansdoown Road, with the second leg taking place in France on the 18th.

(DW/BMcC)