France in control as luck deserts Ireland

The Republic of Ireland are facing an uphill struggle to make the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals after Nicolas Anelka's deflected shot condemned them to defeat in the first leg of their play-off tie against France.

Deserved goal
Having twice held their visitors' 2006 World Cup final conquerors Italy during an undefeated qualification campaign, Ireland spent much of the first half belying the underdog status bestowed on them. France, however, bidding to avoid missing their first major tournament since 1994, grabbed the game by the scruff of its neck after the break and were good value for the fortune that fell their way for Anelka's winner.

Lawrence chance
Ireland were first to bare their teeth when Shay Given's long free-kick presented Robbie Keane with a path to goal on 28 minutes. Hugo Lloris smothered Ireland's captain but the ball fell to Liam Lawrence who, with the goal gaping, somehow shot against Patrice Evra. Keith Andrews then bent wide having advanced from midfield but was culpable at the other end six minutes from half-time, dithering in possession to gift the ball to Thierry Henry who poked wide his side's best opening of the half.

Fortune
Despite brief renewed vigour from Ireland after the break, it was France who subsequently move up the gears thanks to a newfound control exerted by Raymond Domenech's midfield. Such influence proved most telling 18 minutes from time when slick passing allowed Anelka a shot from the edge of the penalty area that deflected off Sean St Ledger, bounced off a post and ended in Given's net. André-Pierre Gignac and Aiden McGeady both spurned late chances, the former blasting wide of an unguarded net and the latter being blocked by Lloris, leaving the deficit at one ahead of Wednesday's return in Paris.