Ireland Goalkeeper Given Hits Out At FIFA After Being Paired With France

Ireland were paired with 2006 World Cup finalists France in Wednesday's draw for the World Cup UEFA play-offs and this was reason enough for shot stopper Shay Given to hit out at FIFA once again for seeding the top teams in the draw.

"The seeding thing is totally unfair. As one of the smaller countries, it is hard enough to qualify at the best of times. To change the rules a couple of weeks before the end of the campaign is ridiculous. But that is what they have done," Given was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

"But we went to Bari and got a result. We also went to Bulgaria. There is great belief that we can go to these big nations and get results. We should have beaten Italy last week. They scored with the last kick of the game. We have to learn from that.

"We have enough experience to see the game out but we didn't do it. We do get great belief and confidence from matches like that. The seeding thing has spurred us a bit more. You think the whole world is against you.

"If they had made the rules from day one, you would have got your head round it. Just to change it a couple of weeks ago was farcical, as far as the smaller countries are concerned.

"We want to be in South Africa. Every player wants to play in the World Cup finals against the best players in the world. It is a special World Cup when the Irish supporters are there. Hopefully we can get there," he concluded.

Stefan Coerts, Goal.com

Want more from Goal.com delivered right to your door? Introducing "Goal.com Magazine." Subscribe now!