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| France calls up Lyon's Cissokho for World Cup playoffs |
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Saturday, November 07, 2009
PARIS: France coach Raymond Domenech called up Lyon defender Aly Cissokho on Thursday to face Ireland in the World Cup playoffs. Veteran midfielder Patrick Vieira was again left out.
With left back Gael Clichy ruled out with a back injury, Domenech needs cover and he watched Cissokho play in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The 33-year-old Vieira has been blighted by nagging injuries and has rarely played for Inter Milan over the past two seasons. Vieira failed to impress with France in a friendly against Nigeria in June, but made a strong start this season, prompting speculation Domenech would call him back. Domenech waited until Thursday morning before finally making up his mind to leave Vieira out. "It was not easy, it never is, and I am happy Pat is getting back to his best level little by little," Domenech said. "We weighed up the pros and cons this morning with the staff."
France plays in Ireland on November 14, and then at Stade de France four days later. "The whole of France is behind the team. These will be two great games to play in," Domenech said.
France will be without winger Franck Ribery (knee) and Clichy against Ireland, but playmaker Yoann Gourcuff and winger Sidney Govou return to Domenech's squad.
Even though France lost only one game and finished one point behind Serbia in Group 7, Les Bleus laboured throughout the qualifying campaign, alternating between poor defending and a lacklustre attack.
Ireland was unbeaten in Group 8, but six draws in 10 games left the team six points behind Italy.
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ISSN 1563-9479 
