For the second consecutive home game, France were held to a goalless draw. Had John O’Shea taken the clearest opportunity of the game, it could have been a lot worse for Les Bleus.

Without their inspirational captain Patrick Vieira, who was ruled out through suspension, France lacked any cutting edge and they were grateful to Fabien Barthez for keeping the scoreline blank.

France: Barthez; Gallas, Squillaci, Givet, Silvestre; Wiltord, Mavuba, Dacourt (Diarra 64), Pires; Cisse (Govou 82), Henry

Rep Ireland: Given; Carr, O'Brien, Cunningham, O'Shea; Finnan, Keane, Kilbane, Duff; Keane, Morrison (Reid 40)

Ref: Ibanez (Spa)