RSS
ATOM
advertisement
France Striker Thierry Henry Doesn’t Fear Play-Off Atmosphere In Ireland
The father figure of the French team is remaining calm ahead of a decisive period in Raymond Domenech's reign. And, having played in many intimidating stadiums in his time, he is unmoved by the prospect of a noisy Irish crowd.
Nov 14, 2009 7:00:26 AM
Experienced France forward Thierry Henry has indicated that he and his international colleague are ready to shrug off the atmosphere of Croke Park on Saturday, when les Bleus challenge the Republic of Ireland in the crucial World Cup qualifying encounter.
Raymond Domenech’s side must tackle the Boys in Green twice over the course of the coming week for one of the final berths at the South African finals next summer, and much has been made about the intimidating welcome that will greet the French side.
Henry, however, couldn't be more laid-back.
“It's a football match,” he told the press.
“We were told the same thing in Serbia. We'll have to play well. From here, it is not clear. There will be a lot of atmosphere, lots of noise.”
Asked what he thinks will be the key to the game, the Barcelona man was reticent to comment.
“If we knew that, it would be great,” he said.
“We can’t know. We beat Ireland in 2005 but both teams have changed. We can get an idea after the first game.”
Henry proved to be the difference in 2005, scoring a terrific goal to light up an otherwise mundane match from a French perspective.
“There was a moment of magic,” he recalled.
“It was not our best game. I do not know how it will be on Saturday, but details may change during a game.”
Doubtless les Bleus would settle for another marginal victory in Dublin on Saturday evening, as any advantage to carry back to Paris for Wednesday’s match could prove to be vital.
Robin Bairner, Goal.com
How is England's lack of youth development hurting the national team? Find out in the November issue of Goal.com Magazine.
Raymond Domenech’s side must tackle the Boys in Green twice over the course of the coming week for one of the final berths at the South African finals next summer, and much has been made about the intimidating welcome that will greet the French side.
Henry, however, couldn't be more laid-back.
“It's a football match,” he told the press.
“We were told the same thing in Serbia. We'll have to play well. From here, it is not clear. There will be a lot of atmosphere, lots of noise.”
Asked what he thinks will be the key to the game, the Barcelona man was reticent to comment.
“If we knew that, it would be great,” he said.
“We can’t know. We beat Ireland in 2005 but both teams have changed. We can get an idea after the first game.”
Henry proved to be the difference in 2005, scoring a terrific goal to light up an otherwise mundane match from a French perspective.
“There was a moment of magic,” he recalled.
“It was not our best game. I do not know how it will be on Saturday, but details may change during a game.”
Doubtless les Bleus would settle for another marginal victory in Dublin on Saturday evening, as any advantage to carry back to Paris for Wednesday’s match could prove to be vital.
Robin Bairner, Goal.com
How is England's lack of youth development hurting the national team? Find out in the November issue of Goal.com Magazine.
Thank you for your comment!
Please enter your name
Please enter your location
Please share your comment!
4 Comments
Advertisement
Inside Goal.Com
-
RIGG: Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is certainly no Mr. February
The Swedish striker traditionally struggles in February. Facing a three-match ban this month, the jinx looks set to continue.
-
DEMPSEY'S DIARY: Playing in the World Cup was the ultimate dream
In his latest diary entry for Goal.com, the U.S. international and Fulham midfielder talks about playing in his first World Cup despite a back injury and what it meant to score.
-
ROGERS: Capello resigns as coach, but the villain is FA chairman Bernstein
Capello and John Terry are far from blameless in the England saga, but the real culprit is the FA chairman.
-
LABIDOU: Is MLS falling behind? The league's new younger direction
With high-profile players like Nicolas Anelka and Luca Toni rejecting MLS for other developing leagues, is the league falling behind its competition?
-
POLL: Should Copa America 'Vanishing Spray' be introduced globally?
The spray, which has been designed to stop defensive walls from encroaching closer than 10 yards to the ball at free kicks, is set to be discussed at next month's IFAB meeting.
Advertisement
Advertisement