METRO FREE Wednesday, November 18, 2009 Nation holds its breath for World Cup decider in Paris Its Le Crunch WE ARE down, but we are not out. Ever since going out to Spain on penalties on June 16, 2002, Irish fans have been waiting patiently to get back into the worlds greatest tournament. That chance arrives tonight at 8pm in Paris Stade de France. The Boys in Green have it all to do, needing to overturn a one-goal deficit thanks to a jam- my deflected Nicolas Anelka goal in last Satur- days first leg at Croke Park. The history books are inconclusive: before this play off, the Republic had lost to, drawn with and beaten France three times each. If reports from the French camp are to be be- lieved, Les Bleus consider themselves already qualified. But more than 15,000 fans have travelled to Paris ready to throw a spanner in the works. The good news for fans stuck at home is RT has secured a last-minute deal with the French Football Federation for broadcasting rights to the game. Although RT would not reveal how much it paid, it is understood to be far short of the 1.5million the FFF was looking for. Im delighted to announce that a deal has been agreed which will give the Irish public the opportunity to enjoy this crucial game live and free-to-air across all of RTs platforms, said Glen Killane, group head of sport with RT. More than 1.1million viewers tuned in to watch the game last Saturday. Whether or not RT will be in a position to broadcast Irish games from South Africa in 2010 is a diminish- ing prospect, according to bookmakers. Wil- liam Hill is offering 7-1 the Irish will make it through tonight, with France 1-16 favourites. Spokesman Tony Kenny said: The most pop- ular bet with Irish punters is for Ireland to win 1-0 and weve also seen some interesting money for Ireland to qualify on penalties. If Ireland manage to win by a single goal, and neither team scores in extra time, the playoff will be decided on a penalty shootout which both teams are 33/1 to go through on. By Ross McDonagh Full match previews: See Pages 22, 23 & 24 index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html