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Trap - Don't rule Republic out yet
International Football, 11:08, November 16, 2009 ,
Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni says his side can still qualify for the World Cup despite the 1-0 defeat against France.
The Republic slipped to the narrow loss in the first-leg of their play-off at Croke Park when Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka's deflected effort flew past goalkeeper Shay Given in the second half on Saturday evening.
The result leaves Trapattoni's side with a mountain to climb to make it to South Africa 2010 as they now head to Paris for Wednesday's return clash knowing they need to win the game to stand any chance of making it.
Trapattoni, however, was refusing to throw in the towel and insisted it was only half time in the tie.
"All the players played well," he told a news conference. "I have to look at injuries and how the players feel but I don't have in my mind to change anything.
"I believe we can score on Wednesday. I think if we play offensively, we can score a goal.
"It is 50/50. It is only halfway. Anything can happen. I have seen in my time in Italy, in my time here with Ireland, many surprise results," he added.
Punters who believe Trapattoni's optimism can use their free bet to get a decent price on Ireland to mount a stunning second-leg comeback.