Post by Taxigirl on Oct 12, 2005 8:26:47 GMT
soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=178910&cc=5739
19:45 UK - Lansdowne Road
Ireland and Switzerland clash in Dublin on Wednesday in a match that could finally piece together the complex jigsaw that is World Cup qualifying Group Four.
All scenarios are still possible in the climax to the tightest of groups but Brian Kerr's Ireland, currently in fourth place on 16 points, know only a victory will do if they are to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for next year's finals.
Switzerland, who are second on 17 points, need a draw to guarantee a place in the play-offs, although a win would see them qualify as group winners unless France beat Cyprus by four more goals in Paris.
Group leaders Israel, who have completed their fixtures on 18 points, could still squeeze into the playoffs if France fail to beat Cyprus.
Ireland's players will forget about the mathematics on Wednesday as they try and improve on some unconvincing recent displays, including their 1-0 victory against Cyprus.
'It's down to a one-off game now ... a Cup final if you like,' the Charlton Athletic midfielder Matt Holland said.
An Ireland victory, coupled with a French failure to beat Cyprus, could even see them top the group.
Switzerland coach Koebi Kuhn is expecting a fierce battle.
'I would be a fool if I had no respect for the Irish,' said Kuhn, who signed a two-year contract extension last month.
'We might have more class than them but the Irish will put the pressure on.'
Kerr's job could be on the line if Ireland fail to qualify. He will be hoping goalkeeper Shay Given, who made a vital penalty save on Saturday, recovers from a foot injury.
He is definitely without Chelsea midfielder Damien Duff, who damaged his knee on Saturday, and Manchester United's Roy Keane who is sidelined with a broken foot.
VERY CLEAR
'The situation is very clear: we need to win on Wednesday and if we win there is no doubt we will at least reach the playoffs,' said Kerr, who has striker Clinton Morrison and midfielder Andy Reid available after suspension.
Switzerland have a doubt over central defender Philippe Senderos who has skin inflammation just below his left eye.
The Arsenal player is being treated with antibiotics and missed training on Monday -- but the team's doctor rated his chances of playing at around '70 to 80 per cent'.
Otherwise, Kuhn is expected to name the side that drew 1-1 with France in Berne on Saturday, despite mounting criticism of goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbuehler who has conceded three soft goals in his last three appearances for Switzerland.
'Now is not the time to discuss the goalkeeper's position,' Kuhn told reporters.
Probable teams:
Ireland: Shay Given; Stephen Carr, John O'Shea, Kenny Cunningham, Richard Dunne; Graham Kavanagh, Steve Finnan, Kevin Kilbane, Matt Holland; Clinton Morrison, Robbie Keane.
Switzerland: Pascal Zuberbuehler; Ludovic Magnin, Patrick Mueller, Philippe Senderos, Philipp Degen; Raphael Wicky, Johann Vogel, Ricardo Cabanas, Tranquillo Barnetta; Johan Vonlanthen, Alex Frei.
Referee: Markus Merk (Germany)
19:45 UK - Lansdowne Road
Ireland and Switzerland clash in Dublin on Wednesday in a match that could finally piece together the complex jigsaw that is World Cup qualifying Group Four.
All scenarios are still possible in the climax to the tightest of groups but Brian Kerr's Ireland, currently in fourth place on 16 points, know only a victory will do if they are to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for next year's finals.
Switzerland, who are second on 17 points, need a draw to guarantee a place in the play-offs, although a win would see them qualify as group winners unless France beat Cyprus by four more goals in Paris.
Group leaders Israel, who have completed their fixtures on 18 points, could still squeeze into the playoffs if France fail to beat Cyprus.
Ireland's players will forget about the mathematics on Wednesday as they try and improve on some unconvincing recent displays, including their 1-0 victory against Cyprus.
'It's down to a one-off game now ... a Cup final if you like,' the Charlton Athletic midfielder Matt Holland said.
An Ireland victory, coupled with a French failure to beat Cyprus, could even see them top the group.
Switzerland coach Koebi Kuhn is expecting a fierce battle.
'I would be a fool if I had no respect for the Irish,' said Kuhn, who signed a two-year contract extension last month.
'We might have more class than them but the Irish will put the pressure on.'
Kerr's job could be on the line if Ireland fail to qualify. He will be hoping goalkeeper Shay Given, who made a vital penalty save on Saturday, recovers from a foot injury.
He is definitely without Chelsea midfielder Damien Duff, who damaged his knee on Saturday, and Manchester United's Roy Keane who is sidelined with a broken foot.
VERY CLEAR
'The situation is very clear: we need to win on Wednesday and if we win there is no doubt we will at least reach the playoffs,' said Kerr, who has striker Clinton Morrison and midfielder Andy Reid available after suspension.
Switzerland have a doubt over central defender Philippe Senderos who has skin inflammation just below his left eye.
The Arsenal player is being treated with antibiotics and missed training on Monday -- but the team's doctor rated his chances of playing at around '70 to 80 per cent'.
Otherwise, Kuhn is expected to name the side that drew 1-1 with France in Berne on Saturday, despite mounting criticism of goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbuehler who has conceded three soft goals in his last three appearances for Switzerland.
'Now is not the time to discuss the goalkeeper's position,' Kuhn told reporters.
Probable teams:
Ireland: Shay Given; Stephen Carr, John O'Shea, Kenny Cunningham, Richard Dunne; Graham Kavanagh, Steve Finnan, Kevin Kilbane, Matt Holland; Clinton Morrison, Robbie Keane.
Switzerland: Pascal Zuberbuehler; Ludovic Magnin, Patrick Mueller, Philippe Senderos, Philipp Degen; Raphael Wicky, Johann Vogel, Ricardo Cabanas, Tranquillo Barnetta; Johan Vonlanthen, Alex Frei.
Referee: Markus Merk (Germany)