Anelka goal gives France 1-0 win at Ireland

Nov 14, 2009 - 11:19 PM By STUART CONDIE AP Sports Writer

DUBLIN(AP) -- Nicolas Anelka kept France on course for next year's World Cup when he scored with the help of a deflection in the 72nd minute, and Les Bleus defeated Ireland 1-0 Saturday night as the first leg of their playoff ended in a confrontation.

Ireland midfielder Keith Andrews and counterpart Lassana Diarra squared up to each other near the center circle at the final whistle, prompting the intervention of both captains and match officials.

Diarra appeared to turn his back on Andrews when the Irish player tried to shake his hand. Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni would not detail what was spoken.

"I cannot say the sentence. It was very bad," Trapattoni said. "It was a famous player. I was surprised."

As for the match, France had an 11th-minute goal by Andre-Pierre Gignac disallowed for offside.

Anelka's shot from the edge of the penalty area hit defender Sean St. Ledger and spun beyond goalkeeper Shay Given and into the net.

The second leg of the home-and-home, total-goals playoff will be Wednesday night at Stade de France outside Paris.

"We have seen that the Irish team are a very difficult team to beat," France captain Thierry Henry said. "They didn't lose a game in qualification, so what we did tonight is nice. But it's still 90 minutes to go, and it's going to be a tough game for us in Paris."

Ireland's Robbie Keane was blocked by goalkeeper Hugo Lloris at close range, Liam Lawrence had a shot deflected just past a post, and Keith Andrews shot wide.

"I preferred the second half, when we were more ourselves," France coach Raymond Domenech said. "There were lots of high balls, which isn't our game. The main point is that we didn't concede any goals, and I am happy with this."