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Expect to see Stars in World Cup 2010

World Cup Play-Offs

Do you have your summer plans for 2010 finalised yet?

It might seem a bit early to be worrying about what you will be doing for next year’s holidays but in the week ahead, the final European nations hoping to book a place at the 2010 World Cup will find out if they are successful. The four two-legged ties will see Europe’s final four entrants qualify for the biggest football event in the world and have fans scrambling onto the internet to look for flights and hotels.

The French Head to Croke Park
Ireland welcome France to Croke Park for the first leg of their clash and the view of the two managers involved couldn’t be more different.

Ireland have stuttered in recent campaigns, failing to live up to the 1990s under the reign of Jack Charlton but under Trappatoni, things have picked up. Being placed in a tricky qualifying group alongside Italy and Bulgaria meant that not many people gave Ireland any chance of making the World Cup but the Italian boss has made big changes. Two draws against the World champions has shown that there is a backbone to the Irish side and that Trappatoni has furthered his reputation around the world.

This stands in stark contrast to Raymond Domenech, the French manager, whose reputation is almost at rock bottom. Finishing second is not the worst thing in the world and Les Bleus will start as favourites against the Irish team but the last two international tournaments have been a major disappointment for the French national side. Many people are surprised at the fact that Domenech is still in position but if the French are not in South Africa next summer, then Domenech is likely to be given the boot.

Given, Keane and McGeady could make the difference
Ireland, although the underdogs, have a number of players they can rely upon to cause an upset and if these three players perform well, they could well be in South Africa next summer.

Goalkeeper Shay Given may not be the biggest name at Manchester City but his supreme performances have been a key factor in the club challenging the dominance of the top four in England. Up front, Robbie Keane is the talisman of the national team and if the French rearguard is breached, it may well be that the Tottenham striker is the one firing the arrows. And if he does, perhaps Keane will revive his famous archery goal celebrations. If Keane is to score, he will need a supply and one of the main men for Ireland is Aiden McGeady of Celtic.

McGeady is at times a frustrating talent but on his day, he is one of the most impressive wingers in Britain. If Ireland can grab hold of the midfield and keep the ball moving wide to McGeady, there may be the opportunity for Ireland to take a lead to Paris.

Thierry Henry - One More Chance to Shine
These three players may be top stars for their clubs but taking a look at the French team, seeing the names of Thierry Henry or Benzema in the squad indicates the standard of quality in the French team. These two players are currently with probably two of the biggest clubs in the world, Barcelona and Real Madrid, and they will fancy their chances to notch a goal or two and give themselves another outing at the big football tournaments. This may be Henry’s last opportunity to play in a World Cup tournament so you can guarantee that the former Arsenal man will be fired up to see France safely home.

France are a big nation who are in danger of missing out on the World Cup but they are not the only nation who are in this situation. Portugal were fortunate enough to scrape into the play-offs after underperforming in their group stages but they have one more chance to see themselves in the World Cup.

FIDA needs Ronaldo at the World Cup
Although the organisers of the World Cup will be happy to welcome any nation to the tournament, there is no doubt that from a marketing point of view, Cristiano Ronaldo’s involvement will be crucial. It is also a major part of the reason why Real Madrid splashed out so much money on the winger from Manchester United as a successful World Cup will see the player generate income and interest at an almost unprecedented level.

The player himself has been struggling with injuries of late, his absence coinciding with Real Madrid’s dip in form, and may not feature in the play-offs but if he is even remotely match fit, Ronaldo is sure to get some time on the pitch.

It is almost as if Bosnia-Herzegovina has been forgotten about with regards to this game but this will suit them perfectly. Although the nation has never qualified for a major footballing tournament, they have came close on a number of occasions and given the lack of form shown by Portugal, there is no reason why they cannot book their place in South Africa.

They finished runners up to Spain, no shame in that, especially when you consider the fact that Spain won every match of their group, clinching 30 points in a perfect qualification campaign. In this context, the 19 points picked up by Bosnia Herzegovina in a group also containing Turkey and Belgium, is a good standard and an indication that the team is in decent form. Zvjezdan Misimiovic is the current top goal-scorer in the squad and he may be the man to make history for the proud nation.

Will Glory Days of the USSR return?
Up until the fall of the Eastern Bloc, the USSR were amongst the top teams in Europe but after the split of these nations, Russia and the Ukraine have been the two biggest nations and both are involved in the playoffs.

Ukraine travel to Greece in their first leg match, with Andriy Shevchenko hoping for one final tilt at the major stage but the Greeks at least have won a major footballing tournament in recent history.

The 2004 European Championship success was a tactical mastermind and although a lot has changed since then, there is still a feeling that Greece, led by Samaras up front, have the ability to turn it on at times. They are a frustrating team in that it can be hard to predict how they will play and this is something that the Ukraine will be hoping to capitalize on.

Russia meanwhile welcome Slovenia in the first leg of their play-off and both nations will fancy their chances of making it to the World Cup. Russia may have the bigger names like Arshavin and Pablychenko in their squad but Slovenia will be keen to qualify. The nation is yet to win a match during a major football tournament after one World Cup and European Championship performance but if they can overcome Russia, they may get the opportunity to do so in South Africa.

by Andrew Reilly

for The Silver Circle at www.footballtip.co.uk

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