The names of the final four European teams to qualify for next year’s World Cup finals in South Africa will become known on Wednesday after the four play-off return legs have come to an end.
All eight teams still harbour hopes of qualification after Saturday’s first legs but 2006 finalists France look to be in the strongest position after coming away from their clash against Ireland in Dublin with a 1-0 victory.
However, despite scoring an away goal and having home advantage in the return leg in Paris, team captain Thierry Henry remains cautious.
”It is only an advantage. It is a better way to come back and play the game in Paris. But still the Irish team is a very difficult team to beat,” said the Barcelona striker.
France will be without Eric Abidal for the match as the Barcelona defender has a thigh injury.
Russia also looked be well on the way to South Africa after two goals from Everton striker Diniyar Bilyaletdinov put Guus Hiddink’s side in control at home to Slovenia but a late header from substitute Nejc Pecnik blew the tie wide open once again.
Although Russia remain favourites, Pecnik’s late heroics mean if Slovenia win 1-0, they will qualify, while 2-1 would lead to extra-time.
”It’s always disappointing when you allow your rivals to score a goal at the very end but we can only blame only ourselves for it.
”We had plenty of chances to increase our lead but missed them, while Slovenia converted one of their rare chances into a goal,” said Hiddink.
Portugal overcame the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo to edge Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0 in their first leg but needed the help of the woodwork twice in the final minutes to prevent the visitors from salvaging a draw.
Bosnian coach Miroslav Blazevic remains confident that his side will prevail at home.
”We could have achieved more in Lisbon, but the result is good.
”I am certain we will be going to South Africa.”
Euro 2004 champions Greece head to the Ukraine as underdogs after the first leg tie in Athens ended scoreless.
Rehhagel though, remains upbeat. ”Of course I would have liked our side to have scored a goal, but it is not always about what you would like to happen. We played against a good side.
”I am happy that we did not concede a goal and that leaves everything open for the return leg. If you do not score, then the best thing that can happen to you is that you do not concede any goals. We managed that, so I have to be at least a bit satisfied.”
But if Rehhagel has concerns about his side’s ability to score goals, Ukrainian coach Alexei Mikhailichenko will also have seen that his forward line was anything but convincing.
”It wasn’t possible to play more attacking than we did because of the strength of our opponents,” he said.
The winner of the four European play-offs qualify directly for the finals in South Africa next year. — Sapa-dpa