Five’s season of live football continues as Georgia play host to the Republic of Ireland in the first European qualifying round for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The action is hosted by Colin Murray. Kick-off is at 17.00.
Having failed to qualify for the last World Cup and this year’s European Championships, the Republic of Ireland will be looking for a comfortable passage into the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. This away clash against Georgia marks the beginning of their qualifying campaign in Group 8, where they are also joined by world champions Italy, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Montenegro. With the current situation in Georgia still fragile, FIFA have ruled that this tie will take place at a neutral venue.
After their disappointing performances leading up to the tournament in Austria and Switzerland, Ireland parted company with Steve Staunton and have since appointed Giovanni Trapattoni as manager. The Italian has so far achieved a good record in international friendlies, with a 1–1 draw against Serbia at home, an impressive 1–0 win against Colombia at Craven Cottage and another 1–1 draw away from home – this time against Norway. This week’s clash represents the new manager’s first competitive game in charge. Aware that Ireland’s record will leave them as underdogs in the next World Cup, Trapattoni has told his players to use Greece’s unexpected success in Euro 2004 as their inspiration.
However, Ireland’s hopes of upsetting the odds rest largely on the shoulders of captain Robbie Keane. The 28-year-old striker, currently Ireland’s record scorer with 34 international goals, has just completed a £20million move to Liverpool from Tottenham, and is Ireland’s most creative force.
Another player to look out for this week is promising Celtic winger Aidan McGeady. Since joining the Scottish champions in 2003, the 22- year-old’s goal tally has steadily increased, and great things are expected of him on the international stage. Ireland can also look forward to the return to form of Newcastle winger Damien Duff, the return from injury of both midfielder Stephen Reid and talismanic keeper Shay Given, and the return from international retirement of Liverpool’s Steve Finnan.
Georgia, meanwhile, will be hoping to qualify for their first major competition since the collapse of the USSR. After sacking German Klaus Toppmoller in April, Georgia appointed Argentinean Héctor Cúper as manager. Key players for the side include 18-year-old striker Levan Mchedlidze of Serie A side Empoli, 26-year-old striker David Siradze and AC Milan’s Kakhaber Kaladze.
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