Irish upbeat despite uphill task

Marco Tardelli is backing the Republic of Ireland to push France all the way as they attempt to resurrect their World Cup dreams in Paris.

The Ireland squad know their hopes of making it to South Africa next summer will be decided at the Stade de France on Wednesday evening. They trail 1-0 to Nicolas Anelka's lone strike at Croke Park on Saturday and know only a rare victory against a major side on foreign soil will be good enough.

Tardelli said: "After the French scored we tried to draw the match. We had three or four big chances and maybe we will have chances again. It is possible to play well in France. The players are ready. In training they have been very strong, also psychologically."

Saturday's defeat was met with understandable disappointment in the dressing room as well as the stands at Croke Park.

However, Trapattoni's response was to tell his players that their task had not changed markedly, although they will now have to score twice or win 1-0 and go through on penalties.

That message has been drummed home over the last 48 hours and Tardelli added: "Nothing has changed. We need to win in France. We needed to win here but sometimes these things happen.

"We have no injuries and we have a very high morale. There are no problems. We are ready for the next match."