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Sports - MLS: Pro Soccer

Monday, Oct. 19, 2009

Ireland drawn with France in World Cup playoff

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The Republic of Ireland must overcome France if they are to reach next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.

Giovanni Trapattoni's side were not seeded in the controversial draw and must now beat the 1998 winners in a two-legged tie.

FIFA earned the wrath of Trapattoni and the Irish FA after deciding to employ a seeding system midway through the competition which ensured the likes of high-profile group runners-up like France, Portugal and Russia would not play each other.

Speaking before the draw, Hull City's Ireland midfielder Kevin Kilbane claimed Trapattoni's side did not fear any of the other teams.

Kilbane, who recently won his 100th international cap, said: "We aren't happy about the way the seeding has gone but you have to move on from that.

"Whoever we get, we get, and I think we are confident of beating anyone over two legs.

"You can't really look at any side in terms of preference. They have all got dangerous players and qualities.

"We've got a lot of players in the squad who are hungry and ready for a big tournament."

Elsewhere, Portugal will play Bosnia-Herzegovina, Russia have been paired with Slovenia and Greece must take on Ukraine.