by FRANCO PANIZO
Nine spots remain for the 2010 World Cup, and four of those will be decided through the UEFA playoffs, which are set to begin on Saturday.
Russia-Slovenia, Greece-Ukraine, Portugal-Bosnia Herzegovina and France-Ireland are the two-legged playoffs that will determine which remaining UEFA teams punch their tickets to South Africa next summer.
With everything to play for for these eight teams, you can expect to see some fierce encounters and entertaining soccer.
Here is a closer look at the UEFA playoff matches:
Russia – Slovenia
Guus Hiddink is one of the most prolific head coaches in the world, but he will have to guide Russia to a World Cup berth to avoid having a blemish on his remarkable resume.
Hiddink and Russia host Slovenia in the first leg, and despite allowing only six goals in qualifying, the Russians are putting the emphasis on attack. Andrei Arshavin will probably be the key to unlock the Slovenian defense, as his dribbling ability and shooting prowess have proven to cause constant headaches for opposing backlines.
Slovenia's defense, which includes Sochaux left back Bojan Jokic, has to keep Arshavin from wreaking havoc, while the offense must convert their chances. AJ Auxerre forward Valter Birsa and FC Koln striker Milivoje Novakovic will need to find the back of the net if Slovenia is to shock Hiddink and Russia.
Greece – Ukraine
Andriy Shevchenko felt World Cup soccer for the first time in 2006, and if he wants to repeat that feeling he will need to help Ukraine topple Greece.
The 33-year-old Shevchenko and Ukraine will visit the 2004 European champions on Saturday, and will look to qualify for their second consecutive World Cup with a solid start at Karaiskakis Stadium. The Ukrainians had a hand in denying Greece a spot in Germany 2006, and will look to repeat that while assuring themselves of a spot in South Africa.
And while Ukraine looks for a second consecutive World Cup appearance, Greece is looking for their second appearance ever. The Greeks have not been to the World Cup since 1994, and Theofanis Gekas, Giorgos Karagounis and Angelos Charisteas could play vital roles in Greece's quest for a World Cup return.
Portugal – Bosnia-Herzegovina
If Portugal is to reach the World Cup, it will have to do so without Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo has been ruled out of both legs against Bosnia-Herzegovina with an ankle injury, leaving Portugal without its most potent player. Portugal will also be missing right back Jose Bosingwa and defensive midfielder Pedro Mendes, both of whom are out with knee injuries.
Despite being bitten by the injury bug, the Portuguese still have players like Real Madrid defender Pepe, Chelsea midfielder Deco and Atletico Madrid striker Simao at their disposal.
But Bosnia-Herzegovina, which finished behind Spain and ahead of Turkey in Group 5, will be looking to stun the world with a win. The Dragons have the talent to pull it off, too. Players such as Edin Dzeko and Emir Spahic are likely to cause Portugal problems, as is former St. Louis University and current TSG Hoffenheim forward Vedad Ibisevic.
Ireland – France
Ireland is one step away from returning to the World Cup after missing out in 2006. Unfortunately for the Irish, they have the daunting task of knocking off the overly-talented but under-performing France.
Ireland enters the playoff as the underdog, but is no push over. Boasting talents such as Shay Given, John O'Shea, Damien Duff and captain Robbie Keane, Ireland is capable of pulling off the upset. They also host the first leg at Croke Park, and a big start there would do wonders for their potential return to the World Cup.
France, however, is confident it will prevail despite its struggles since reaching the World Cup Final in 2006. Head coach Raymond Domenech labeled Ireland "England B", and the French players said they are well-equipped for what they expect to be a very physical playoff. France, who has not missed out of a World Cup since 1994, is also hoping to rely on the talents of Thierry Henry to reach South Africa.
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What do you think of the UEFA playoffs? Which players do you see playing a big role this weekend? Who will qualify for the World Cup?
Share your thoughts below.
Get ’em Simao. Come on Portugal! The World Cup would not be the same without you. The flare, the style, the passion — got to love ’em.
“England B”. As usual the French insults are par exellance… or whatever.
SIMAO!!!…Love that pic Ives : )
Portugal can manage without that pretty boy punk, Ronaldo…He doesn’t even put in the same performances for his NT like he does at club level…Screw Ronaldo!
Forca Portugal
Bosnia, Russia, Greece and France go through.
Ireland, Bosnia, Ukraine, Russia
Dzeko and Ibisevic up top? Scary. Arshavin has been lights out. Domenech will embarass his country.
A bottle of wine, roaring fire in the fireplace, UEFA playoffs, all on a rainy day. I can’t wait.
Guus lost all my respect as a genius with his cowardly stategy against Barcelona. I hope Russia goes down.
While I’m on the negative note…can’t stand Renaldo. Would love to see his greasy haired mug in the stands come time for WC 2010.
I’m not jumping on the Ireland bandwagon. I’d love to see them beat up on France but I just don’t believe.
Greece and Ukraine should be close if not entertaining.
In any case one of these slots should go to Africa or SA. Europe is way too represented and a borderline AFrican or SA team is much more exciting than a borderline Euro squad – IMO
I realize this is not the right post for this, but does anyone know where the USA-Denmark game will be shown? I thought ESPN was supposed to show it but there is nothing listed on US team page or ESPN?
sounds reasonable. any France fans in your class?
I bet Bosna has more people cheering for it tomorrow than they had in the 84 Sarejevo Olympics. Napred Bosna!
come on Bosnia!
Ireland-France sounds like a seriously fun match, with bulletin board material already firing the squads up!
I think Portugal is going to play better without Ronaldo. Not because Ronaldo got in the way, but maybe they were relying too much on him. With him gone, the entire team will pick up their collective play, which is much better than just one player.
I bet Russia wins.
For me it is a toss up between Greece and Ukraine, though the edge probably goes to Ukraine.
I think 3 of the games are live on Setanta:
SETANTA SPORTS USA
World Cup 2010 RUSSIA-SLOVENIA, Qualifier, Playoff, 1st Leg (live), 10:55 am.
World Cup 2010 GREECE-UKRAINE, Qualifier, Playoff, 1st Leg (live), 1 pm.
World Cup 2010 PORTUGAL-BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA, Qualifier, Playoff, 1st Leg (live), 3:25 pm.
i just don’t see it happening for ireland. Yeah, Domenech has done a horrendous job and clearly is despised by the players, but you know France will pull it together now that the chips are down.
I think ireland’s best chance is to park the bus, hold on for the first half, frustrate the French to the point where they start to lose concentration, and then try and nick a goal off a set piece or on the counter.
I think they would be foolish to try and play football against the French. I think Toulalan and Lass will both be up to the task of putting the shackles on whoever Trappatoni runs out in the center of midfield. From there, I don’t see how Keane(or Long or Doyle) get the service they need. If France can win this battle in midfield–and they certainly should, both Lass and Toulalan have been fantastic this season–get the ball into Gourcuff to pull the strings, I think Les Bleus will be fine.
One thing about the strikers, If I’m Domenech I am DEFINITELY starting Gignac up front with Henry. I’ve just never ever seen Benzema bring his best for the national side.
TV for these games? All PPV? Thx.
Go IRELAND…
my world history II professor is giving extra credit based on whether the boys in green win
Bosnia, Ireland, Ukraine Russia. Sorry Henry, Domenech is a tool and he will cause a great footballing nation to miss out on the biggest event of them all.