“This playoff matchup of World Cup finalist and one of Europe’s feisty minnows promises high tension, few goals, but an intriguing contest. It’s about the managers, mostly. With failure, one is on the brink of being the laughingstock of Europe, known for being charge of a team of talents he has led to disaster. The other is a winner no matter what happens.” (NYT)

Gourcuff and Benzema fear play-off date with Ireland
“France stars Yoann Gourcuff and Karim Benzema give off the impression that they have been pinned back on the ropes for a little too long as they prepare for Saturday’s World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland.” (ESPN)