| A Prague victory may help Republic’s
cause  The
Republic of Ireland could find themselves in second place in Group D on
Saturday evening level on points with either Germany or the Czech Republic.
The two heavyweights in the group meet in the Sparta Stadium in Prague
with the home side hoping that Germany’s slip-up in Cyprus when
they drew 1-1 in November means the World Cup semi-finalists are low on
confidence.
The Germans have been hit by something of an injury crisis of late and
six players including Oliver Neuville, Gerald Asamoah, Tim Borowski and
Mario Gomez are all ruled out for the trip to Prague.
Both countries sit at the top of Group D level on 10 points each though
the Germans have a superior goal difference. If there’s a winner
then the Republic could also hit the 10-point mark with victory over Wales
in Croke Park.
Elsewhere Cyprus aim to keep their successful Euro campaign going when
they host Slovakia in Nicosia. After a thumping victory over the Republic
of Ireland and a shock draw with Germany the GSP Stadium has become something
of a banana skin for the more fancied European sides and Slovakia will
have to be at their best if they’re to take all three points.
The Slovaks travel to Dublin immediately after the Cyprus fixture for
their game against Steve Staunton’s men next Wednesday.
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