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Ireland captain opens war of words with France coach

Posted on 11/11 by

Ireland captain Richard Dunne has opened up a war of words with France coach Raymond Domenech ahead of the World Cup qualification play-offs.

Two-times winners France must overcome Ireland over two legs if they are to make next year's tournament in South Africa, with the first tie played in Dublin on Saturday.

Dunne has stoked the pre-match fires by pointing to Domenech as a potential weak link, following the Frenchman's description of Ireland as the "England B team".

Ireland are the outsiders for the two legs, on 3.05 with Centrebet, while the same World Cup betting market rates France at 2.45.

Quoted by The Times, Dunne said: "Every time a tournament comes round, they have all these world-class players and a man who seems intent on messing them up.

"Even watching television today, you can see the reaction of the people at the tennis when they put his face on the big screen and the whole place just booed him and his own players laughed at him."

The centre back was referring to when Domenech was introduced to the crowd at the BNP Paribas Masters tennis tournament in Paris on Monday night, where spectators hooted with decision at his appearance.

Domenech remains an unpopular figure with France supporters after his team stuttered in qualification and put in a poor showing at Euro 2008.

However, they have improved in recent games and may be ready to make good their favourites tag on Saturday and next Wednesday in Paris.


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