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France Right-Back Bacary Sagna Analyses Ireland Squad Ahead Of World Cup Play-Off
The Arsenal full-back has warned his national team-mates that they face a stern challenge if they want to progress to the World Cup finals in South Africa next summer...
| Bet: | Returns: | Milan £19.50 | Draw £32.50 | Arsenal £36.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Milan £20.00 | Draw £32.00 | Arsenal £35.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Milan £20.00 | Draw £32.00 | Arsenal £35.00 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | Milan £19.50 | Draw £34.00 | Arsenal £40.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Milan £19.50 | Draw £32.50 | Arsenal £36.00 |
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Nov 10, 2009 9:25:12 AM
Although France coach Raymond Domenech dismissed the Republic of Ireland squad as “England ‘B’”, the regular right-back for les Bleus, Bacary Sagna, has spoken about the Irish side in glowing terms.
Speaking to L’Equipe, Sagna picked out several members of the Ireland team who deserve particular note, and he stated that because of the bulk of players from Giovanni Trapattoni’s side play in the English Premier League, this should be taken as a stamp of quality.
Goalkeeper Shay Given was the first to be analysed by Sagna.
“All great teams need a great goalkeeper. From that point of view, it’s no coincidence that Manchester City bought him from Newcastle [United]. Since the beginning of the season, he has saved the Citizens on numerous occasions, often match exceptional saves.”
Manchester United’s John O’Shea was next to be examined.
“He is accustomed to big games,” the right-back pointed out.
“The fact that he starts at Manchester United says it all. When a national team has players like him, it proves they are a great nation. It's natural they want to prove that they are better than France.”
Meanwhile, Damien Duff was described as “one of the best in his position in England,” while Kevin Doyle was also spoken of in favourable terms. It is, however, Robbie Keane who will provide the major test to les Bleus’ defence in Sagna’s eyes.
“He is one of the stars of this team,” the Arsenal man asserted.
“He is a complete striker: clever and very smart - a true goal scorer.”
France travel to Ireland for the first leg on Saturday. The return match will take place on November 18 at the Stade de France. Whichever nation wins on aggregate will claim a place in South Africa next summer.
Robin Bairner, Goal.com
Speaking to L’Equipe, Sagna picked out several members of the Ireland team who deserve particular note, and he stated that because of the bulk of players from Giovanni Trapattoni’s side play in the English Premier League, this should be taken as a stamp of quality.
Goalkeeper Shay Given was the first to be analysed by Sagna.
“All great teams need a great goalkeeper. From that point of view, it’s no coincidence that Manchester City bought him from Newcastle [United]. Since the beginning of the season, he has saved the Citizens on numerous occasions, often match exceptional saves.”
Manchester United’s John O’Shea was next to be examined.
“He is accustomed to big games,” the right-back pointed out.
“The fact that he starts at Manchester United says it all. When a national team has players like him, it proves they are a great nation. It's natural they want to prove that they are better than France.”
Meanwhile, Damien Duff was described as “one of the best in his position in England,” while Kevin Doyle was also spoken of in favourable terms. It is, however, Robbie Keane who will provide the major test to les Bleus’ defence in Sagna’s eyes.
“He is one of the stars of this team,” the Arsenal man asserted.
“He is a complete striker: clever and very smart - a true goal scorer.”
France travel to Ireland for the first leg on Saturday. The return match will take place on November 18 at the Stade de France. Whichever nation wins on aggregate will claim a place in South Africa next summer.
Robin Bairner, Goal.com
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