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The Republic of Ireland are slowly and steadily proving that they deserve to be in those finals and not France after defeating a second World Cup finalist this week. The Irish beat Algeria 3 - 0 in Dublin in a one-sided affair that saw the home team dominate from the outset. Giovanni Trapattoni helped figure out a vast number of weaknesses that the African country possesses at the back to help out fellow Italian Fabio Capello as his England team take on the Algerians in the Group Stage of the World Cup next month.

Algeria's defensive frailties led to Ireland's first goal when Paul Green headed in a set piece from Liam Lawrence at the half hour mark. The defenders didn't seem too keen to challenge for the ball as though keeping all the feistiness safe for the World Cup. Robbie Keane doubled Ireland's lead 5 minutes into the second half. Fawzi Chaouchi's feeble attempt to clear Damien Duff's cross was volleyed in by the Tottenham forward from around 20 yards out. With 5 minutes to go on the clock Robbie Keane was tripped in the box by Habib Ballaid and the Irish captain slotted comfortably past the Algerian Goalkeeper to give his team an easy win.

The Algerians have won 1 of their last 5 matches and things don't seem to be too positive for them at the moment. They next take on the United Arab Emirates on the 5th of June before kicking off their World Cup campaign against the Slovenians. It is a thorn filled path for the African Cup of Nations semi-finalists.