Football Focus - 14/11/2009

Dan Walker presents the topical football show, which this week concentrates on the international scene. The first legs of the play-offs for the 2010 World Cup are featured, with the Republic of Ireland hosting 1998 World Cup winners France, who were also the runners-up in 2006. It is a tough task for the Irish, who many feel have been harshly treated after FIFA's late decision to seed the play-off draw. But Giovanni Trapattoni's men were unbeaten in all ten of their qualifying games and will be hoping to cause an upset over the two legs to reach the World Cup finals for only the fourth time in their history. Meanwhile, England, who have already booked their place in South Africa next year, play Brazil in Qatar. Fabio Capello takes a very different view of friendlies from some of his predecessors, and the players involved in this game in the Middle East will know that a good display is vital for their hopes of being part of England's squad for next summer's World Cup. Wales and Scotland also meet in a friendly at the Cardiff City Stadium.