World Cup Qualifiers

World Cup Qualifiers are approaching towards their final end, with Play-offs going on, by the end of the week we will know which teams are going to South Africa. Here are a few of qualification games, their results, implications and highlights.

NEW ZEALAND vs BAHRAIN

The 2nd leg of the Play-off was played in the West-pac Stadium. The first leg had finished at 0-0. In the final minute of the first half  Rory Fallon headed in a corner to give  hosts the lead. However Bahrain had a golden opportunity to equalize in the 51st minute through a penalty kick. However, Sayed Adnan’s weak shot has easily saved the the keeper Patson. A draw was enough for Bahrain, as they would have progressed due to the away goal rule. But New Zealand held on for a memorable victory that ensures that we will be seeing them in South Africa 2010.

EGYPT vs ALGERIA

With Play-offs scrapped by African federation in world cup qualifiers, one had to top its group to qualify. This top of the table clash meant that Egypt had to win 3-0 to qualify courtesy their inferior goal difference, and a 2-0 result would result in a Play-off at a neutral ground. Anything less by egypt would mean that Algeria go through to finals. Odds were in Algeria’s favour but Egypt showed real intent as Amr Zaki put them infront early on. However Algeria looked to have done enough for rest of the game, until  dramatic final moments when Substitute Moteab scored in 5th minute of injury time and sent the home crowd in frenzy. A Play-off game in Sudan will now decide which team makes it to the World cup.

GREECE vs UKRAINE

The 2oo4 european champions Greece went head to head with Ukraine. The game ended in a goalless draw. The Greek defender Kyrgiakos came close in the final moments with a headed effort.

RUSSIA vs SLOVENIA

The first leg of the game was played in Russia. Russians got the Lead through  midfielder Bilyaletdinov on 40mins. Pavlyuchenko slid in the pass which was followed by a beautiful turn and finish by Bilyaletdinov. After the half time the everton man doubled russia’s lead. However drama was seen at the end when Pecnik headed home a crucial away goal on 87mis to make the scoreline 2-1. This makes the 2nd leg very intriguing.

REPUBLIC of  IRELAND vs FRANCE

The french were up against a very determined Irish side, which has given some inspired performances under Giovanni Trapattoni. The french got the lead through Nicolas Anelka’s deflected shot. They take the lead into Wednesday’s 2nd leg and with the away goal on thier side France are favourites to qualify.

PORTUGAL vs BOSNIA

A crucial game with Portugal in their home without their captain Cristiano Ronaldo up against a very talented Bosnian side. Bruno Alves headed home the only goal of the game on 31st minute mark. Bosnians hit the woodwork twice in the second half when Edin Dzeko headed against the bar and Sanel Jahic hit the rebound against the post. Teams now travel to Sarajevo for the 2nd leg with Portugal starting as favorites.