In the Stade de France in November it is 103: there is a sentence imposed Malouda In midfield, the French were greeted with almost indifference by lost looks, slowly reaching the penalty area and being dragged by the impulse of their spectators. This is not a good time for Raymond Domenek’s team: Also, it’s not going to happen for the time being.

In the first match of the playoffs to access the World Cup in South Africa a few months later, France Victory was snatched away with a shot that was boldly deflected Analka, at home Of Ireland Trained Giovanni Traptoni.

“Kenny can do it again”, Someone must have thought. He arrived on the Irish bench a year ago, but it was enough to finish second in Group H behind Italy and ahead of Bulgaria: in short, we are heading to the playoffs.

On the contrary, it is not a formation devoid of talent: he played on purpose Shay provided, He played on defense between Newcastle and Manchester City John Ozia. In the middle row Darren Gibson, Damien Duff e Aiden McGeady. Under attack Robbie Keane. Experience and quality: It was certainly not the strongest national team and could not be distorted in the presence of France. Yet he played there, playing for it.

Seven years later, Ireland are in the final Euro 2016, Always in France: rethinking who knows about Malouda’s punishment. The group with Italy and Belgium ends in third place, qualifying for Round of 16: there, here are the French. Again.

There is a common thread connecting the two national teams, but this pushes Ireland’s fate into a more inevitable collapse. Today, the Irish are fourth in Group A to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. But that is not a positive and sufficient result.

Leading the group Serbia E Portugal, Much stronger than the other three: in addition to Ireland, Luxembourg E Azerbaijan. You expect a quiet third place, losing to Luxembourg at home (Suffered 0-1, last March) With a similarly sensitive classmate against Azerbaijan (1-1). In short: you endanger the humiliating end position.

It’s been 19 years now Green They do not qualify for the World Cup, but in all versions played (1990, 1994 e 2002) It has always been at least eighth (Tota Shillasi was sent off in the quarterfinals after Hogg’s Romania won a penalty in 1990). However, the idea is that at some point in its history something went awry.

There were four players currently playing in the Premier League in the starting line-up against Azeri, seven if you count. Basunu (On loan from Portsmouth, Manchester City), Molambi (on loan from WBA, Brighton), Parrott (on loan from MK Dons, Tottenham): The team has several young players, suggesting a possible recovery from medium to long term. However, the news continues unabated.

The only match won in 2021 was against Andorra (1-4), The scale of the situation is important to convey and draw: In 2020 he will always tie or lose. This may take some time, but for now it is difficult. The red thread that connects France to November 2009 is tight.

To the punishment of Malouda collected in a small area Theory Henry: Ireland took extra time through Keane’s goal. We need a goal, and then we fly to South Africa: Greens’ indescribable defensive sleep gives way to the French striker’s intrigue, however, He clearly helps with his hand, Arranging the sphere and serving William Gallas, he is qualified on his own.

Martin Hanson was the first to run to the referee, followed by his teammates: Trapatoni sees the ghosts of the 2002 World Cup. Days later, Henry agrees that the match will be repeated “The best solution” Of course not even the most open type Domenek would agree: “Losing a game for such a mistake is frustrating and uncomfortable. I understand the anger of the Irish.”

Looks like Ireland stopped there, or a little further: At the 2016 European Championships, after 2 ‘with Brady, she took the lead and regained with Griezmann’s brace. Now it is likely to slip between competitive national teams: waiting to rise again, provoked by difficulties such as the behavior of the local people who enjoy football, even to the youngest.