Ireland In Charge Of Their Own Destiny 

There are no more what ifs.  There is no more depending on what other teams do at this point in the game and it doesn't have to go that way either. For the first time in a long time Ireland are in complete control of their own destiny when it comes to qualifying for the World Cup.   

The Republic of Ireland's road to Africa is paved if they win in Bulgaria this Saturday, at least for a play off game that is.  At the same time Giovanni Trapattoni will very likely tell his players what he has been telling them all along.  Don't lose, get a result.  It's working.  Ireland has not lost a game in Group 8 but this Saturday there is a hell of a lot more to play for.  If not for Ireland then definitely Bulgaria as they are now in a do or die situation.  They have to win

Ireland in second place has 12 points while Bulgaria, in third, has 7 points.  Although the Bulgarians have a match in hand they cannot afford to lose against the Irish.  Wishful thinking perhaps but an Irish win puts them on 15 points while Bulgaria remain on 7.  Make no mistake about it that the players have a win in the backs of their minds.  Wouldn't you? 

The way things have been going for Ireland the green and white army will expect a draw and indeed will be satisfied with that, as will the management and players. 

What's great about this fixture is Ireland is still in the driving seat no matter what happens.  It's a great situation to be in.  While there is a tricky game away to Cyprus after Bulgaria, Ireland is home in its last two games against Italy and Montenegro.  It is not a stretch to expect Ireland to have something to play for in their last game.  Trapattoni is restoring faith in the camp and in the fans.  The Irish team is very much in control of paving the road to Africa.

Last week in a friendly against Nigeria Robbie Keane slipped in the back door rounded the keeper and placed home.  It was a very good goal by Ireland.  They combined well in Nigeria's half and cut through their back line with class.  The good news is they are not known for this.  They are known for their fighting spirit and their will to never say die.  The Irish continue to fight to the last minute.  We've seen this already in the qualifiers.  We know there are critics out there waiting to dive on a bad result or a bad performance.  But for now Ireland have it all to play for with Keane leading the pack on 4 goals so far.   

Several debutants got a run against Nigeria and Trapattoni is pleased with their efforts.  He was impressed at how Keane linked up with Leon Best Ireland's newest arrival up top.  More young players now join Trapattoni and his staff.  It's always a great sign when managers give young players a start.

Bulgaria Can Emerge From The Shadows

Bulgaria hasn't been getting it right in Group 8 but they are not out of the running by no means.  While they have not made an impression they have never gone away.  They lurk behind Ireland.  Their time has arrived and it's Ireland they must beat to keep the dream alive.  Nobody is writing the Bulgarians off.

Bulgaria was a bit unlucky in the 2006 WC qualifiers.  Four wins and three draws was not enough.  They always seem to get piped at the final hurdle.  They just seem to fall short on the bigger stage.

Seven times they have qualified for the World Cup and 5 times they have been eliminated in the first round.  Although some of us remember in 1994 when here in the US. in our own backyard at Giants Stadium Hristo Stoitchkov danced on Germany.  Bulgaria beat the defending world champions 2-1 in the 1994 quarterfinals.  It was the first time Bulgaria came out from under the shadow of their European neighbors.  However they'll fancy their chances against Ireland this Saturday.  For sure they will.

Bulgaria's front line is not short on firing power and that touch of brilliance is still present in the squad.  Dimitar Berbatov (Manchester United), Martin Petrov, Valeri Bojinov (Manchester City) and Valeri Domovchiyski (Hertha Berlin) spearhead the Bulgarian attack.  Pulling strings in the middle is Stilian Petrov (Aston Villa) who had a very good game against Ireland back in the spring.  There's enough arsenal here to test any team in the world and the rest of the squad should not be underestimated. 

They can be skillful on their day and prove a very difficult team to beat.  Their fans will be up for this game.  The Irish must keep them quiet, by no means an easy thing to do.  It's a huge game for both teams with probably a lot more at stake for the Bulgarians.  And while they attack they must not keep their eye of Robbie Keane.