RTE close to securing TV rights as green army invades Paris
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Tuesday November 17 2009
RTE is on the brink of securing the rights to tomorrow's World Cup play-off with France in Paris as hundreds of Irish fans began streaming into the French capital.
Late last night it looked like the deadlock would be broken between RTE and the France's main broadcaster, TF1.
An RTE Sport spokeswoman told the Herald that negotiations are "ongoing".
"We're working really hard to secure this game. RTE are fully commited to bringing this game to the Irish public," the spokeswoman said.
Meanwhile, Paris was veiled in mist and light rain this morning as it prepared for the green storm due to land today.
Giovanni Trapattoni's squad flew out of Dublin today trailed by thousands of fans, who are clinging to hope for a victory.
It followed a night when the Champs Elysees basked in near silence but, with hotels now at a premium, the bars and clubs of Paris are anticipating a pre-match rush.
Ireland has to think back to 2001 when Jason McAteer put the ball in the Dutch net for success in such a vital match. There have been 22 competitive matches against teams inside the world's top 34 since then and not a single win.
While Raymond Domenech might not admit it, Trap's side has them worried. But Trap's boys will have to defeat one of the best footballing nations in the world on their home turf and in a hostile stadium to secure their World Cup passage.
- Kevin Doyle
