HISTORY beckons for an elite band of Irish sportsmen in the Stade de France this evening.

RAYMOND Domenech has told France’s players the pressure must come from within for their make-or-break World Cup play-off against Ireland.

Rob Andrew believes the England squad are capable of achieving the “most exceptional comeback ever” by claiming the World Cup.

IRELAND will open their 2007 Rugby World Cup campaign against an African qualifier in Bordeaux on September 9.

Ireland will open their World Cup campaign against an African qualifier in Bordeaux on September 9, 2007 where they also play Europe 3, with their key Pool D game against France scheduled for Stade de France and a game against Americas 1 taking place at Parc des Princes.

PARIS might have got used to invasions during the past century but the French capital has still never experienced anything like the friendly Green Army which has descended on it for tonight's crucial World Cup qualifier.

Father-to-be Shay Given has no doubt who is the daddy when it comes to world-class strikers.

PLAYMAKER Giovanni Hernandez sent Colombia into the Confederations Cup semi-finals in St. Etienne yesterday when he rifled home the winner in a 1-0 victory over Japan in Group A.