In Group 4 of the Europe Zone qualifiers, the Republic of Ireland go head-to-head against Switzerland at Lansdowne Road, and France host Cyprus in the last round of qualification matches.

Any one of four teams could see themselves at least qualify for play-offs after tonight, with Israel (who have played all their qualifying matches) currently topping Group 4 on 18 points. Switzerland are second on 17 points, the same as France, but with a better goal difference. Ireland are currently fourth on 16 points.

A win for the Republic will see them guarantee a play-off spot, whereas a win for Switzerland, and a loss for France will see both France and the Republic of Ireland crash out of the World Cup qualifiers, and it would see Switzerland automatically qualify for the finals, and Israel making it to the play-offs. A draw for 'Les Bleus', and a loss for Ireland will be enough to earn the French a play-off place.

After their disappointing 1-1 draw against Switzerland last Saturday, the French will book their trip to Germany if they win in Paris and Switzerland fail to beat Ireland in Dublin.

However, if Switzerland triumph at Lansdowne Road as they did in qualifying for Euro 2004, France would need to win by four goals more than the Swiss win to secure a direct place in next year's finals in Germany.

Israel will just have to sit back and hope that the results go their way.

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