Footballers see Mamma Mia! before Paris trip

The Irish soccer team relaxed at a performance of the smash hit musical Mamma Mia! Tonight ahead of flying out to Paris for their crunch World Cup qualifier match.

Fans greeted Brian Kerr’s squad as they took premier seats in Dublin’s Point Theatre to see the cast perform hits by the legendary foursome ABBA before Saturday’s vital match.

The 24-man team, which includes Roy Keane, Damien Duff and Robbie Keane, will square up to France in a bid to take a place in the 2006 World Cup.

The Republic of Ireland team will leave for Paris tomorrow morning. Goalkeeper Shay Given, who did not attend the training sessions in Ireland due to family reasons, will meet them at a French training ground where they will continue their preparations tomorrow evening.

Around 25,000 Irish fans are expected to travel to Paris for Saturday’s crucial decider.