Trapattoni keeps the faith in Paris
Monday, November 16th, 2009
Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni is set to stick with same starting XI for the second leg of the World Cup 2010 play-off against France in Paris.
The Italian coach opted for Stoke City’s Liam Lawrence on the right-hand side of midfield ahead of Celtic’s Aiden McGeady for the first leg in Dublin, where Nicolas Anelka’s second-half deflected strike was enough to separate the sides.
And Trapattoni will keep faith with the same players again as the Irish look to overturn the deficit knowing they must score to stand any chance of getting to South Africa next summer.
But Trapattoni admits he will not sanction a gung-ho approach to the match on Wednesday night at the Stade de France (Republic of Ireland 5/1 to win in 90 minutes) because conceding again will make the job considerably harder.
He said: “I don’t want to concede five goals, three goals or two goals. One-nil is enough to take it to extra-time and maybe penalties.
“This is a game for calm heads. Okay, take risks in the last few minutes, but if we go forward and concede goals, it’s finished.”
Referring to the defeat on Saturday, Trapatonni added: “All the players played well. I don’t have in my mind to change anything.”
France will be without Barcelona left-back Eric Abidal because of a thigh problem while a hamstring injury again accounts for defensive midfielder Jeremy Toulalan of Lyon.
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