RSSFrance v Republic of Ireland European World Cup Play-off Match Preview
France analysis – the job must be done
An away goal and a clean sheet found during ninety minute of unconvincing football could just be the perfect result to push France’s way through to the finals of the World Cup in South Africa next year.
Last Saturday, Les Bleus managed to hand the Irish their first home defeat in the World Cup qualifiers through Nicolas Anelka’s 62nd minute goal.
France’s ability to triumph away from home despite playing poorly somehow shows how lucky of a side they are.
Read full article »Oman vs Brazil International Friendly Match Preview
Strong aspirations for both sides
Currently at two very distinctive levels of soccer in their respective countries, Oman and Brazil share a common goal in continual growth with their levels of play.
Brazil, coming from a steady win against England in Qatar 1-0 this Saturday, will need another victory to show that they mean business and will be top contenders at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Oman, while not qualified for the 2010 edition of the World Cup, will continue to grow and set... Read full article »
Portugal v Bosnia European World Cup Play-offs Match Preview
It took a bit of miracle for Portugal to make it to this stage and ultimately stand the chance of reaching the finals of the World Cup in South Africa next summer.
The battle for the second spot went all the way down to the final moments in Group A.
On match-day 9, Sweden’s loss to Denmark suddenly put the 2004 European championship finalists in a better position to qualify at the expense of the Swedes. It meant that two victories out of two games would lift Portugal onto second in the six-team table and therefore put them in the play-offs.
Indeed, the Portuguese took all of their chances with a 3-0 win against Hungary and a 4-0 triumph over Malta on home soil.
Read full article »Russia v Slovenia European World Cup play-offs Match Preview
How Russia qualified into the play-offs
Twenty-two points were enough for Guus Hiddink’s team to secure the second spot in their group with four points beyond Finland and four points behind Germany.
The Russians enjoyed a good run throughout the European World Cup qualifiers which faltered towards the end as they lost to Germany and only drew away to Azerbaijan.
These results cost them the first automatic spot in the group which was rather won by the 2006 World Cup hosts Germany.
Read full article »Brazil vs England Match Preview
High flying teams meet their challenge
Two countries famous for their football meet in what could be one of the most exciting friendlies of the year.
After a very smooth qualification process for England winning 9 out of 10 in their group, Fabio Capello will look to try out his team against an equally impressive Brazilian side.
Brazilian coach Dunga, also with a strong showing in the South American qualification process, winning with 34 points, will try out his European based players to test the waters abroad.
Read full article »Spain vs Argentina Match Preview
Different paths leading to the same tournament
After a rather shaky World Cup qualification for South American giants Argentina, coach Diego Maradona looks to improve his team by keeping the pressure high against current European champions Spain.
The Albiceleste come from two wins that were crucial for getting them the last direct qualification to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. They beat Peru 2-1 at home and managed another close win away at Uruguay, 0-1.
Spain qualified for the tournament much earlier with a perfect 10-0 record in European qualification. Their recent wins include a 3-0 game against Estonia and a road victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina, 2-5.
Read full article »Costa Rica v Uruguay World Cup Play-off Match Preview
How Costa Rica qualified into the play-offs
It was only on the last day of the campaign that CONCACAF’s table was truly decided. The battle in the middle was hotter than ever but Costa Rica unfortunately stumbled to its pressure.
A victory would have assured them a place in the top three and ultimately given them automatic tickets for the finals in South Africa.
Unfortunately for Costa Rica, they let a 2-0 lead slip away to draw 2-2 against the United States and the points were shared.
Read full article »Greece v Ukraine European World Cup Play-off Match Preview
How Greece qualified into the play-offs
The Greeks just about failed to qualify automatically for the finals of the World Cup in South Africa.
Had it not been because of Andronic’s late equalizer which reduced Greece’s three points to one against Moldova back in September, the former European champions might have reached the promise land already.
Either way, the Greeks held on to their nerves and bounced back with a vital 5-2 victory over Latvia marked by Theofanis Gekas’ astonishing form as he hit four goals in that game.
Read full article »Russia v Slovenia European World Cup play-offs Match Preview
How Russia qualified into the play-offs
Twenty-two points were enough for Guus Hiddink’s team to secure the second spot in their group with four points beyond Finland and four points behind Germany.
The Russians enjoyed a good run throughout the European World Cup qualifiers which faltered towards the end as they lost to Germany and only drew away to Azerbaijan.
These results cost them the first automatic spot in the group which was rather won by the 2006 World Cup hosts Germany.
Read full article »Republic of Ireland v France European World Cup play-offs Match Preview
How the Republic of Ireland qualified into the play-offs
Unbeaten, yes – but not perfect. Four wins, no defeats, six draws.
The Republic of Ireland had an average run that put them through to the play-offs and stand the chance of qualifying to the finals of the World Cup which will take place in South Africa next year.
However, things could have been different and much more historic for the Irish if they had recorded two victories in October instead of two draws against Group 8’s leaders Italy and Montenegro respectively.
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