The first legs of the European zone play-offs has some intriguing ties. Ireland - France will be full of passion at Croke Park, but will the French have the skills to overcome the Irish onslaught? This tie is extra juicy thanks to the war of words in the lead up to the match with French coach Raymond Domenech referring to Ireland as "England B" and Irish defender Richard Dunne responding with attacks on Domenech. My prediction? Ireland to win by 1 goal tonight, but to lose out overall.
Portugal face a youthful and exciting Bosnia-Herzegovina without Cristiano Ronaldo who is injured. Can playing Nani in his place possibly get them to the World Cup? My prediction is for Portugal to answer Sepp Blatter's prayers and make it to South Africa, but only just.
Will the World Cup be a poorer place for the absence of France or Portugal should they lose? Maybe. But there's been many a great player to miss out on the tournament because their team didn't do the business, and the only thoughts of loss should be within those countries themselves. If they'd played better they both had the class to have secured qualification before now.
Highgly rated Russia face off against possibly the weakest playoff team Slovenia, and in the last tie Greece face Ukraine. My predictions for those are for Russia to win home and away and ease through, and for Ukraine to edge past Greece.
Nothing will be decided conclusively tonight of course, although a good win for anyone could see the tie effectively over before Wednesday's judgement day part two.
My viewing choice will be Ireland - France, where I'm expecting a green onslaught against a potentially fragile France team, although their more recent run of form shows the runners-up from the 2006 World Cup aren't to be taken lightly.
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