Uruguay 1-1 Costa Rica

Uruguay sealed the 32nd and final place at next summer's World Cup as they drew 1-1 with Costa Rica to seal a 2-1 aggregate victory.

The 1-0 win in San Jose at the weekend proved crucial for the Charruas, who will play in South Africa after missing the 2006 tournament in Germany.

Sebastian Abreu put the hosts ahead after a goalless first half and, even though Costa Rica equalised soon after through Walter Centeno, they failed to find the winner which could have sent them to the World Cup.

Uruguay showed more attacking intent in the first half, with the Ticos counter-attacking Uruguay keeper Fernando Muslera's goal.

In the sixth minute, Diego Forlan was found by Nicolas Lodeiro but his 35-yard shot was turned behind by Keylor Navas.

Rene Simoes' Costa Rica side played some tough football, meaning the quality suffered somewhat in the first period, but they could have taken the lead had Muslera not saved a Cristian Bolanos shot.

After the interval, Uruguay began to take advantage of gaps as Costa Rica became more desperate for a goal.

Forlan was close to scoring in the 59th minute when he advanced into the box but Navas saved his attempt.

In the 70th minute, the Charruas finally opened the scoring, Abreu getting the better of marker Michael Umana to head Diego Scotti's cross past Navas.

Celebrations at the Estadio Centenario did not last long, however, as Centeno levelled four minutes later, after Muslera failed to hold Alvaro Saborio's effort.

The match was stopped for around five minutes when members of the media got involved in a scuffle with the Costa Rica substitutes.

But despite seven minutes of stoppage time, the Ticos failed to find a winner.

It was Uruguay's third successive qualifying play-off. They qualified to Korea-Japan in 2002 by beating Australia, the same opponents who beat them ahead of the 2006 tournament.

The other CONMEBOL teams through to the finals are Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Argentina.

France 1 Republic of Ireland 1, agg 2-1

The World Cup qualifying play-off second-leg game between France and the Republic of Ireland at the Stade de France, Paris, on Wednesday Nov 18 2009.

Jour de gloire? Day of infamy more like. France cheated their way on to the last flight to South Africa. Thierry Henry handled not once, but twice in setting up William Gallas’s goal that broke Irish hearts and all rules of sporting justice at the Stade de Fraud on Wednesday night.

Henry is one of the game’s most graceful performers and characters, an elegant attacker who has enchanted audiences across Europe but his name will now be associated with conning opponents and officials.

This was Diego Maradona territory, subterfuge writ large, a defence beaten by the dark arts. Unlike England’s Argentine nemesis in 1986, Henry has a conscience.

How easily he will sleep after this remains to be seen. What was particularly galling was the way the France captain celebrated the goal so exuberantly. Shameless.

Henry’s act of deception will lead to calls for a footballing replay, which should be resisted, and more legitimately for calls for video replays.

A certain Frenchman, Michel Platini, Uefa’s president, is ardently against technology as he believes it wrests away the judgment process from the referee. Certainly, he can cogently argue that Henry’s crime would have been spotted if Uefa’s new system of an extra official behind the goal was in use here.

None of this will console to the Republic of Ireland who delivered the performances of their careers for no reward other than deep admiration. This was so unfair, so cruel. The Irish had been as good as the French, and particularly Henry, were poor.

How Raymond Domenech, a coach without authority, a manager booed for his substitutions, can be going to the World Cup, rubbing shoulders with Fabio Capello and Marcello Lippi, when another celebrated Italian in Giovanni Trapattoni stays at home mocks the very essence of sporting justice. The French could do worse than sack Domenech and give Guus Hiddink a short-term contract.

How the quiet French fans can be heading to South Africa while the Irish, whose supporters gave Stade de France some real atmosphere, watch on from afar is simply the tournament’s loss.

The World Cup will be the poorer without the honesty of Ireland’s players. They never deserved this. Shay Given dealt superbly with what little the French launched at him, being beaten only by Henry’s calumny and Gallas’s close-range finish. Sean St Ledger was quietly impressive at centre-half, making some vital tackles. For one epic evening, Richard Dunne rivalled the Eiffel Tower in dominating the skyline, heading away every threat.

In central midfield, Keith Andrews never stopped running, never stopped snapping into tackles. Damien Duff was tireless down the left, rolling back the years to his effervescent Blackburn youth with long runs down the wing, one of which led to Robbie Keane’s goal.

Ireland’s captain took his 32nd-minute strike expertly but it was his all-round contribution, the way the Spurs man kept looking for chinks in France’s weakened defence that so inspired his team-mates and lifted the fans.

After the madness of the images being beamed in from Omdurman, and the depressing night boat to Cairo for a vanquished Egypt, it was going to be a tough test to rival such an atmosphere. No problem. The Irish fans were certainly up for it, dancing through La Marseillaise and giving unending support for the cause.

As well as filling one corner of Stade de France, splashes of green could be seen in the home blue. If the stands enjoyed the warm and friendly feel of a Six Nations’ tie, some of the early football followed suit, particularly with Irish defenders and midfielders hoisting Garryowens down the throats of France’s re-jigged, shaky central defence.

Uncertainty ate into Domenech’s players. They had the CVs, the classy club backgrounds but they lacked the hunger of Trapattoni’s men.

Henry disappeared for long periods. Only Nicolas Anelka showed up. Hounded by the Irish, French nerves were put through the shredder as Keane, then Kevin Doyle ran purposefully at their weakened defence.

Responding to Keane’s example, Doyle was enterprise personified, charging time and again at France. After one break down the right, the Wolves forward cut ball back to Liam Lawrence, whose dinked cross into the box just failed to reach Keane. The alarm bells began ringing for France.

The Irish sensed this vulnerability and went for the jugular. No mercy. Doyle headed wide. Then, sweet joy, the moment that launched a thousand sips of Guinness. Keith Andrews began the move, steaming into a tackle in the centre circle, launching Ireland on a momentous journey. Kevin Kilbane carried it on, releasing Duff down the left, speeding towards the line as the French tried to re-man the barricades.

As the French footballing establishment looked on in horror, as Zinedine Zidane and Fabien Barthez watched aghast from the VIP seats, as the colour drained from Domenech’s face, Duff cut the ball back. The weight and pace were perfect. The identity of the recipient was ideal too. Keane cherishes such opportunities: a yard of space as the ball arrives. His right foot swept it past Hugo Lloris.

France attempted to respond but Ireland enjoyed the best chances of the second half. John O’Shea, unmarked at the far post, chested the ball down but volleyed wildly over. Duff ran through one-on-one with Lloris but the Lyon goalkeeper somehow managed to spread himself and save. Then Keane went through, rounding Lloris but overrunning the ball.

And so to extra time. Anelka shot wide and then tumbled when challenged by Given. No penalty.

And so to Henry, Gallas and a date with ignominy.

Bosnia-Herzegovina 0 Portugal 1, agg 0-2

The World Cup qualifying play-off second-leg game between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Portugal at Bilino Polje Stadium, Zenica, on Wednesday Nov 18, 2009.

A second-half strike by Raul Meireles was enough to break Bosnian hearts and send 2006 semi-finalists Portugal through to the World Cup finals on Wednesday.

The Portuguese, once again without the injured Cristiano Ronaldo, had won a hard-fought first leg 1-0 courtesy of a close-range header by Bruno Alves on Saturday and again had to be on their mettle before Meireles' effort ensured their place at next summer's showpiece in South Africa.

Despite enjoying the lion's share of possession in the opening period on a heavy pitch, the Bosnians failed to carve out any clear chances as the Portuguese sat back hoping to catch their hosts on the counter in their European zone play-off second leg.

Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz had said beforehand he was confident his side could produce better form away than at home.

And 10 minutes after the restart Meireles ensured there would be no shredded nerves for the visitors as he took a pass from Manchester United star Nani and slipped a low, precise shot past Kenan Hasagic in the Bosnian goal.

Bosnian dangerman Edin Dzeko, whose goals had been instrumental in taking his country this far, was getting little change out of the Portuguese defence and was chiefly in evidence following the goal for getting himself booked.

Minutes earlier Nani himself had come close to breaking the deadlock at the Bilino Polje Stadium but Hasagic blocked well with his legs.

Zlatan Muslimovic tried valiantly to rouse the Bosnians, who enjoyed a late run to land runners-up spot in Spain's group, edging out Turkey and Belgium, but his probing runs produced no end product.

Portugal sent Edinho on for Nani with 18 minutes remaining after Meireles had first sent an effort skidding just wide before Vedad Ibisevic appealed in vain for a penalty at the other end after tangling with Paulo Ferreira.

Almost immediately, the hosts then found themselves down to ten men as midfielder Sejad Salihovic was dismissed.

The red card brought fury on the terraces and the match briefly came to a halt with one of the linesmen appearing to have been struck by an object thrown from the crowd.

Veteran coach Miroslav Blazevic, who memorably led neighbouring Croatia to third place in the 1998 finals, urged his men on for a final push, Miralem Pjanic scuffing a final chance, but the Portuguese, who introduced Deco for Simao for the closing 11 minutes, held firm.

Slovenia 1 Russia 0, agg 2-2, Slovenia win on away goals

The World Cup qualifying play-off second-leg game between Slovenia and Russia at the Stadion Ljudski Vrt, Maribor, on Wednesday Nov 18, 2009.

Slovenia qualified for only their second World Cup on Wednesday with a 1-0 win over nine-man Russia in their European zone, second-leg play-off tie.

Striker Zlatko Dedic, who plays his club football for Bochum in Germany, scored the only goal just before the break.

He was fastest to the ball when Valter Birsa crossed from the right with Russia's defenders caught cold.

Russia had won the first leg 2-1 in Moscow on Saturday, but Slovenia's win on Wednesday meant they qualified on the away goals rule.

Everton midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov had scored twice in the first match before Nejc Pecnik's goal two minutes from time gave Slovenia hope for Wednesday's return leg.

After conceding Dedic's goal here, Guus Hiddink's Russian side suffered another setback when substitute striker Alexander Kerzhakov was red-carded for a foul on goalkeeper Samir Handanovic in the 66th minute.

Kerzhakov had only come at the interval to replace the ineffective Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Russia shrugged off the red-card to dominate possession in the closing stages with Arsenal star Andrei Arshavin starting to impose himself on the tie.

Arshavin set up substitute Pavel Pogrebnyak, whose header was well-saved by Handanovic.

Yuri Zhirkov then had a fierce drive saved by Handanovic before Dedic wasted a great chance to finish the game at the other end when he blasted over the top with five minutes left.

Slovenia held firm to reach their first World Cup finals since their 2002 debut.

Slovenian coach Matjaz Kek started the game with the same team from Moscow while Hiddink started with one change, bringing in Semak Janbayev as both sides played a 4-4-2 formation.

In the forth minute, Milivoje Novakovic was one-on-one with Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeyev before the danger was cleared before Andraz Kirm hit the post.

Russia's opportunities were rare in the opening period and their miserable night got even worse in injury time when Zhirkov was sent-off.

Ukraine 0 Greece 1, agg 0-1

The World Cup qualifying play-off second-leg game between Ukraine and Greece at the Donbass Arena in Donetsk, on Wednesday Nov 18 2009.

Greece reached the World Cup finals on Wednesday with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ukraine in the return leg of their European zone play-off.

Panathinaikos striker Dimitris Salpingidis netted the only goal of the match sending Greece, the 2004 European champions, into their second World Cup finals after a 16-year absence.

Greece and Ukraine, who were deadlocked at 0-0 after the first leg in Athens on Saturday, struggled to impose themselves early on in a match played on a rain-soaked pitch in the half-empty, 50,000-seater Donbass Arena.

Ukraine skipper Andrei Shevchenko missed a chance to put his team into the lead in the eighth minute, when he failed to send home a rebound after Greece goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas deflected Alexander Aliev's shot.

Greece replied with a header by Celtic forward Giorgos Samaras, which went just inches above the crossbar from a well-struck Giorgos Karagounis freekick.

Just after the half-hour mark Salpingidis gave Greece the lead, beating Ukraine's defenders on a breakaway and receiving a razor-sharp pass from Samaras to score past goalkeeper Andrei Pyatov.

After the break, the hosts continued to press under the watchful gaze of Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko.

But Greece defended well, stifling the hosts' attacks into fruitless long-range shots.

Oleg Gusev missed Ukraine's last chance to level in injury time, but his six-yard rebound went wide after Tsorvas deflected Yevgeny Seleznov's shot from the edge of the box.

Algeria 1 Egypt 0

The World Cup play-off game between Algeria and Egypt at the Al Merrikh Stadium in Omdurman, Sudan, on Wednesday Nov 18, 2009.

Antar Yahia's spectacular goal earned Algeria the final African qualifying spot in next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.

The centre-half volleyed home five minutes before half-time and a solid rearguard effort in the second half kept out Egypt.

Emad Meteab had the best chance for Egypt but was denied by impressive Algeria keeper Fawzi Chaouchi.

A capacity crowd filled the Khartoum Stadium in Sudan - with 5,000 more fans locked outside the ground.

Meteab's early mishit was easily gathered by Chaouchi and Algeria's Nadir Belhadj was booked inside the first minute after Ahmed Al-Muhammadi reacted theatrically to his foul.

Abdelkader Ghezzal saw a header saved by Egypt keeper Essam El Hadary before Mourad Meghni's challenge on Egypt skipper Ahmed Hassan in only the fourth minute sparked a mass flare-up which saw Hassan booked.

Abdel Zaher El Sakka's looping header saw Chaouchi leap to make the game's first serious save, before Yahia threatened at the other end after Ziani's free-kick sparked a scramble. El Hadary saved the defender's drive with his legs.

Belhadj went close from a free-kick after Rafik Saifi went down under Hassan's challenge.

Incidents in the penalty area, centring around Amr Zaki, delayed the taking of the kick near the corner flag, but Belhadj, the Portsmouth full-back, eventually curled it goalwards and forced a surprised El Hadary to tip over.

Mohamed Aboutrika volleyed wide from the edge of the box and Hassan's free-kick was far too high, but Chaouchi made a superb save from Al-Muhammadi's angled effort following Belhadj's error.

Egypt, then, were claiming the upper hand - but it was Algeria who took the lead shortly afterwards. Ziani lofted a superb ball in and Yahia smashed a volley from a narrow angle in via the underside of the bar.

Belhadj produced a brilliantly calm piece of defending to snuff out the chance of an equaliser following Mansouri's miskick and Zaki headed wide as the half ended.

Egypt coach Hassan Shehata introduced Mohamed Zidan and Hosni Abd Rabou for Zaki and Fathi at half-time, before a scrappy start to the second period saw Ziani mistakenly booked for a foul by Madjid Bougherra, a rare error by referee Eddy Maillet from the Seychelles.

The half sprung into life, though, with chances at each end within a minute.

First Hassan Yebda's cross was met by a fierce downward header from Ghezzal, only for El Hadary to save, and then Chaouchi brilliantly denied Meteab after Zidan tricked his way into the box but failed to get a shot away.

Rabah Saadane, in his fifth spell as Algeria coach, introduced defender Samir Zaoui in place of goalscorer Yahia as he sought to shore up the game.

Meteab was left on the ground in pain after being superbly denied by Chaouchi, but it was a rare sight of goal for Egypt as their final ball too often let them down.

Zidan went to ground seeking a penalty but was rightly ignored, and Chaouchi survived a late scare after missing a long ball under pressure from Aboutrika as Saadane's side held on.

Chile 2-1 Slovakia

Chile beat fellow World Cup qualifiers Slovakia 2-1 in a friendly in Zilina.

Chile, whose game with Germany on Saturday was called off following the death of Robert Enke, went ahead after only nine minutes through Gonzalo Jara but Stanislav Sestak levelled for the home side in the 17th minute.

Colo Colo striker Esteban Paredes scored 10 minutes into the second half to secure victory for Chile, who finished second behind Brazil in South American qualifying.

World Cup hosts South Africa were held to a goalless draw by Jamaica in Bloemfontein.

Belgium, who could only finish fourth in their World Cup qualifying group, were 2-0 winners over Qatar in Sedan thanks to goals from Standard Liege's Axel Witsel (20) and Club Brugge's Wesley Sonck (54).

Ghana 2-2 Mali

Anthony Annan hit a late equaliser as Ghana completed their successful World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-2 home draw against Mali.

The Black Stars had already made sure of their place in South Africa next summer before today's game with Mali chasing the runners-up spot in Group D.

And it was the visitors who drew first blood, going ahead in the 24th minute through Lassana Fane.

Matthew Amoah levelled matters 20 minutes into the second half only for substitute Tenema Ndiaye to restore Mali's advantage four minutes later.

It looked as though that would be enough but Annan popped up with eight minutes to go to earn Ghana a share of the spoils.

Mali finished in third place - one point adrift of Benin - but they will still play in January's African Nations Cup.

African World Cup Qualifying Review

Emad Meteab scored a dramatic injury-time goal to hand Egypt a 2-0 win over Algeria and force a play-off between the sides next week.

Algeria went into the match three points clear of their Group C rivals in the knowledge that they could lose by a single goal in Cairo and still seal their place in South Africa next summer.

The hosts got the dream start when Amr Zaki netted just two minutes into the game but the Algerians, hopeful of securing only a third finals appearance and a first since 1986, appeared to have done enough to close out the required result.

That was until substitute Meteab struck five minutes into injury time to send the home fans wild and tee up a decisive clash in Sudan on November 18.

Rwanda and Zambia drew 0-0 in the group's other match.

Cameroon had earlier sealed an African record sixth appearance in the finals, while Nigeria also progressed.

Nigeria claimed a 3-2 away win over Kenya as Tunisia, the previous leaders of Group B, suffered a shock defeat in Mozambique.

Tunisia were well on course to qualify for South Africa with 10 minutes to go in both games but when Obafemi Martins scored his second goal of the game Nigeria went top of the table.

Martins scored in the 83rd minute, the same time as Dario got Mozambique's winner.

Kenya went ahead through Dennis Oleich after 16 minutes and kept Nigeria at bay until just past the hour mark when Martins got his first.

Ayegbeni Yakubu put the visitors ahead three minutes later but Allan Watende levelled the scores with 12 minutes to go and Martins grabbed the winner seven minutes from time.

Cameroon secured their passage to the finals by seeing off Morocco 2-0 in Fes.

Goals in either half, from Achille Webo and Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o, rubber-stamped their place in South Africa, while their Group A rivals Gabon slipped to defeat in Togo.

The Gabonese had gone into the game one point behind Cameroon but fluffed their lines as Floyd Ayite scored the game's only goal for the hosts.

In Group E the Ivory Coast, who had already qualified, beat Guinea 3-0 and Burkina Faso defeated Malawi 1-0.

Benin defeated Sudan 2-1 in Group D.

Ireland 0 France 1

The World Cup qualifying play-off first leg game between the Republic of Ireland and France at Croke Park in Dublin on Saturday Nov 14, 2009.

There has been much talk of conspiracy in Dublin, of the large oppressing the small, the mighty the weak, ever since Sepp Blatter and Fifa shifted the goalposts to hand Europe’s blue-bloods as easy as possible a ride to the World Cup.

Perhaps the Republic of Ireland could have coped with that. But just when they needed it most, though, luck conspired against them too, handing Nicolas Anelka a winning goal and France a precious advantage in the race to South Africa.

The Chelsea striker, at his brooding and moody worst, had heard his every touch jeered, his every moan heckled, when his hopeful shot squirmed off

Sean St Ledger’s boot and beyond the stranded Shay Given. Such good fortune will hardly have helped foster a cordiality between these two nations which the French, ever since they touched down late on Friday night, have seemed eager to dismantle.

The 74,103 crammed into Croke Park may have merrily bounced their way through Les Marseillaise and flown the tricolor on O’Connell Bridge to welcome their guests, but the French have hardly reciprocated the goodwill.

Raymond Domenech and his captain, Thierry Henry smirked their way through a cursory press conference as though they had been tasked with maintaining

Gallic stereotypes, while the Barcelona striker and Anelka, after all these years still an *enfant terrible*, swaggered around the pitch as though their destiny was pre-ordained.

Their performance scarcely warranted it. A glance down the respective team-sheets showed the immensity of the task facing the motley crew of

Premier League squad men at Trapattoni’s disposal, but if ever there was a lesson as to the role played by a manager, this was it.

What the Italian could do with the resources available to Domenech, both in terms of facilities and personnel, is anyone’s guess. What Domenech has done, on the other hand, is painfully obvious.

He has created a side which is a shadow of the country’s golden generation, one of bountiful technical ability but bereft of impetus, of direction, of identity.

The languid style which made Henry such a star has been aped by his team-mates, with the result that France’s attacks are tectonic in their pace. Nicolas Anelka, employed as a right-winger, is not a right-winger.

Countless moves stalled at their feet, countless jeers greeted his every touch, his every moan.

It took them 25 minutes to muster a shot at goal, so unsettled were they by Ireland’s harrying, and even then Andre-Pierre Gignac could only roll the ball gently into Shay Given’s arms. Four minutes later, he shot wide on the turn. “Who are you?” demanded Croke Park. This France are not equipped to answer.

Ireland, on the other hand, under the guidance of Trapattoni, know exactly who, and what, they are. They are greater than the sum of their parts, doughty and resilient, and possessed of a ferocious work ethic.

Once they had shed their early caution - Damien Duff and Liam Lawrence too often turning back instead of driving on - their approach almost brought its rewards. Duff, playing the percentages, lofted a free kick into the box,

Kevin Doyle made a nuisance of himself, Keane collected the ball and fired at Hugo Lloris, who parried straight at Lawrence, six yards out. The Stoke midfielder, somehow, shot wide, his blushes spared only by the sight of the linesman’s flag for a foul in the build-up.

It took France until after the break to wake, briefly, from their torpor.

For five minutes, they offered a glimpse of what they seem, on paper, capable of doing for 90. Anelka’s cleverly lifted cross found Gignac, who saw his chip tipped over by Given. Lassana Diarra almost commemorated his hard-earned control of the midfield with a thunderous 30-yard shot which whistled wide.

By the time the French did take the lead, that momentum had subsided. They had created little more of note when Anelka received Gignac’s pass on the edge of the penalty area, looked up, chanced his arm and saw his shot deflect off the helpless Sean St Ledger, and the post, on its way into the net.

It was the stroke of luck Ireland’s performance, rather than that of their visitors, had warranted. Had Gignac, presented with an open goal minutes later, doubled France’s ill-gotten lead, it may have been too much to take.

Still, there was no way back for Ireland. Aiden McGeady and Andrews sent hopeful shots wide, but it was to Whelan that his nation’s shot at salvation fell, after Leon Best and Keane worked the ball into his path.

Lloris, at point blank range, smothered it, by instinct rather than instruction. Such was Ireland’s luck, and France’s too.

Portugal 1 Bosnia-Herzegovina 0

The World Cup qualifying play-off first leg game between Portugal and Bosnia-Herzegovina at Estádio da Luz in Lisbon on Saturday Nov 14, 2009.

Portugal, playing without the injured Cristiano Ronaldo, were clinging to their World Cup dreams on Saturday after only managing a 1-0 win over Bosnia Herzegovina in their play-off first leg.

It could have been a black night for the star-studded Portuguese side who were saved by the woodwork on three occasions, including twice in the last minute.

Porto defender Bruno Alves, who gave Portugal a fortunate winner in a qualifying round win over Albania, was on target again on Saturday with a powerful backpost header after 31 minutes for the game's only goal.

It was reward for Portugal's attacking pressure, but Bosnia, bidding to reach a first World Cup finals, were unlucky not to be level before the break.

With Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo hopelessly out of position at a corner, Senijad Ibricic crashed a header against the crossbar.

Portugal, the 2006 semi-finalists, should have been 2-0 ahead on the hour mark when Chelsea playmaker Deco jinked away from his markers before crossing to Liedson who sliced his shot just wide. Moments later Deco saw a goal-bound drive deflected away by a defender.

Bosnia still looked for an equaliser and were again denied by the woodwork in the last minute.

Edin Dzeko's far-post header came off the crossbar while Zlatan Muslimovic's quick reaction volley came off the post.

Greece 0 Ukraine 0

The World Cup qualifying play-off first leg game between Greece and Ukraine at Karaiskakis Stadium in Athens on Saturday Nov 14, 2009.

Theofanis Gekas, the overall top scorer in qualifying with 10 goals, wasted Greece's best chance while Ruslan Rotan was guilty of poor finishing for the visitors on a night when both sides cancelled each other out at the Olympic Stadium.

Sotiris Kyrgiakos almost won the game for Otto Rehhagel's Greece in the dying seconds but the Liverpool defender headed wide.

Both teams began brightly but it was the visitors who threatened first and registered the first shot on target when Alexandros Tzorvas pulled off a comfortable save from Andriy Shevchenko's 25-yard free-kick.

Giorgos Karagounis responded for the hosts with a shot from distance which was comfortably held by Andriy Piatov in the Ukraine goal.

Former Chelsea and AC Milan forward Shevchenko then tried his luck again from another free-kick in the 13th minute but his tame effort drifted wide.

Greece had the ball in the net after 16 minutes when Gekas turned in Dimitris Salpigidis cross but the assistant referee had already raised his flag for offside.

Rotan wasted a golden opportunity three minutes later after a defensive mix-up from the home side when he dragged his shot wide of the left post from the edge of the box.

The visitors continued to look the more dangerous, particularly on the counter attack and Tzorvas was called upon in the 36th minute to make a smart save from Oleg Gusiev's shot from an acute angle.

Greece threatened twice before half-time but striker Giorgos Samaras' control let him down when Salpigidis picked him out with a low centre before Gekas headed straight at Piatov from Karagounis' free-kick.

Samaras, who was a peripheral figure in the first half, drew a save from Piatov with a speculative shot from distance as Greece began strongly after the break.

But again the visitors threatened and Karagounis came to Greece's rescue with a last-ditch tackle to deny Artem Milevskyy in the 55th minute.

Tzorvas was called into action again in the 68th minute to push away a rasping Taras Mykhalyk's drive.

Rehhagel then handed 21-year-old striker Kostas Mitroglou his international debut as a replacement for Salpigidis with 19 minutes left as he looked to add attacking impetus to his team.

But the Olympiakos forward failed to make a significant impression and it was Samaras who next went close with a powerful shot which flew just inches over the bar.

Ukraine continued to look dangerous going forward on the break but it was the home side who almost snatched a vital win through Kyrgiakos, but the defender headed Kostas Katsouranis' right-wing cross wide of the left post with only seconds remaining.

Russia 2 Slovenia 1

The World Cup qualifier first-leg match between Russia and Slovenia at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow on Saturday Nov 14 2009.

Substitute Nejc Pecnik's late goal gave Slovenia a lifeline in their World Cup qualifying play-off against Russia.

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov's brace seemed to have put the home side in commanding but Pecnik - only introduced in the 83rd minute in place of Andraz Kirm - pounced two minutes from time for a potentially crucial away goal.

A capacity crowd of 80,000 - which included Russian president Vladimir Putin - had been issued with protective masks to guard against swine flu in the Luzhniki Stadium.

Slovenia threatened early on as Milivoje Novakovic pulled the ball back from the left but Valter Birsa's shot was deflected wide by Yuri Zhirkov.

Zhirkov - included despite an injury-hit start to his Chelsea career - then set off from his own half and tricked his way into the heart of the Slovenia penalty area, but his shot was repelled by the feet of goalkeeper Samir Handanovic.

Marko Suler's precise lofted pass then put Zlatko Dedic in behind the home defence.

He was forced wide by Igor Akinfeev, though, and his weak shot went through the goalkeeper's legs but wide of the near post.

Sergei Ignashevich's fierce low drive from a 30-yard free-kick saw Handanovic again save with his legs.

Ignashevich made an important challenge as Dedic looked to break before Russia conjured an excellent 41st-minute opener.

Roman Pavlyuchenko's neat pass with the outside of his foot found Bilyaletdinov on the edge of the box and the Everton midfielder beat centre-halves Suler and Bostjan Cesar with a superb drag-back before finishing powerfully with his weaker right foot.

Russia's Andrey Arshavin was booked in first-half injury-time for a petulant slap in the chest of Slovenia full-back Miso Brecko, who went down theatrically.

Two Zhirkov crosses saw Arshavin head wide before Pavlyuchenko's weak effort was blocked by Cesar. Handanovic then tipped over another Ignashevich rocket but Russia went 2-0 up in the 52nd minute.

Bilyaletdinov got in the way of Arshavin's cross - meant for Sergey Semak - but finished calmly when the ball ricocheted back to him off Konstantin Zyryanov.

Vasili Berezutskiy made a strong tackle to halt Dedic's threatening run and Handanovic unconvincingly saved Pavlyuchenko's fine angled drive at his near post.

Suler was up well to cut out Bilyaletdinov's teasing through-ball and Pavlyuchenko had a diving header held by Handanovic.

Bystrov lobbed wastefully over the bar after being adjudged narrowly onside, before Russia had a let-off as Suler seemed to be impeded when jumping for a corner at the near post.

Bilyaletdinov went close to his hat-trick as a late header flashed wide and Pecnik shot wide after Novakovic's mishit volley bounced to him.

But the substitute was on hand a minute later to head home from close range after Akinfeev tipped away Robert Koren's shot, Slovenia's first on target in the 90 minutes.

And Suler could have equalised in stoppage time, popping up unmarked at the back post to force a superb diving save from Akinfeev.

New Zealand 1 Bahrain 0

The World Cup play-off game between New Zealand and Bahrain at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Saturday Nov 14 2009.

New Zealand claimed their place at next year’s World Cup finals with a narrow victory over Bahrain in the second leg of their play-off on Saturday.

Plymouth Argyle striker Rory Fallon headed home the only goal of the game on the stroke of half-time while goalkeeper Mark Paston also saved a penalty to ensure their side’s passage to South Africa.

In front of a capacity crowd at the Westpac Stadium, the Kiwis repeated the feat of their successful 1982 team.

New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert said it was “incredible” to see his class of 2009 emulate the team that qualified 27 years ago, a side that he was a part of.

“I said through the week that I thought the special moment was going to be winning this match and seeing the emotion on the players because when you play you don’t see it all, you don’t see that landscape, and wow it was incredible,” Herbert said.

“We’ve all worked hard, we all backed the system that we truly believe was good enough to win it and we’ve gone and done it. The result is about these boys, about a group who believed and have never stopped believing, and their dream continues which is fantastic.’’

The result gave the Kiwis a 1-0 aggregate win following the goalless draw in Manama on Oct 10.

The crucial strike came when Fallon rose highest in the six-yard area to meet a corner from Leo Bertos and send a powerful header beyond goalkeeper Sayed Mohammed Jaffar.

On the balance of play, the Kiwis deserved their half-time lead with Bertos and Tony Lochhead providing the main threats for the home side going forward.

The drama intensified five minutes after the break when referee Jorge Larrionda pointed to the penalty spot after Tony Lochhead fouled Abdulla Ismaeel Omar.

However, the combination of a poor strike from Sayed Mohamed Adnan and a perfectly timed dive to his right by Paston kept the ball out.

Blackburn Rovers centre-back Ryan Nelsen, the New Zealand captain, became an increasingly influential figure as the second half wore on, marshalling his defence impressively as the visitors pushed forward in desperate search for an equaliser.

Nelsen and Ivan Vicelich, his partner at the heart of the defence, were forced to make some crucial interceptions in the closing minutes and Fallon’s goal eventually proved just enough.

“We’ve waited a long time to resurrect something very important to us,” Herbert added. “These boys are going to a World Cup.”

Herbert also gave his squad of 18 players a vote of confidence in their places for next year’s tournament.

“I would be incredibly surprised if any of these players would be omitted before we go to South Africa,” he said. Bahrain’s bitter disappointment was reflected in their failure to send a spokesman to the post-match press conference.

Kenya 2 Nigeria 3

Obafemi Martins was the two-goal hero as Nigeria defeated Kenya 3-2 in Nairobi on Saturday to snatch a place at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Trailing at half-time in a match they had to win, the 'Super Eagles' hit back with two goals inside five minutes through Martins from German champions Wolfsburg and Everton striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu.

Kenya levelled 12 minutes from full-time as they battled to finish third in Group B and clinch a place at the 2010 African Nations Cup only for Martins to score the winner on 83 minutes.

The 'Harambee Stars' failed to clear a cross and the former Newcastle United striker spun before hooking the ball past goalkeeper Willis Ochieng to earn Nigeria a fourth World Cup appearance.

Tunisia, who held a two-point advantage over Nigeria for five rounds, were too cautious in Mozambique and an 83rd-minute Dario Monteiro goal gave the 'Mambas' (Snakes) a 1-0 victory.

Nigeria finished with 12 points, Tunisia 11, Mozambique seven and Kenya three and the 'Eagles' became the fourth country to qualify from Africa after South Africa (hosts), Ghana and Ivory Coast.

Cyprus 1 Republic of Ireland 2

The World Cup qualifier between Cyprus and the Republic of Ireland at the Neo GSP Stadium in Nicosia on Sep 5, 2009.

Ireland's dogged resilience throughout a so far unbeaten World Cup qualifying campaign was in full evidence in Nicosia as Robbie Keane’s headed winner earned his nation three priceless points as they attempt to reach next summer’s World Cup Finals.

A game that appeared to be heading towards stalemate altered dramatically when Keane converted a cross from Damien Duff for a victory which leaves them looking forward to the prospect of the visit of manager Giovanni Trapattoni’s homeland Italy, Group Eight leaders, to Dublin next month.

A play-off place, even automatic qualification, is a possibility thanks to that one moment in Nicosia.

The Republic took a fifth-minute lead through Wolves forward Kevin Doyle. Stephen Hunt’s corner was headed back across goal by Sean St. Ledger and sent goalwards by Keith Andrews, the ball falling conveniently for Doyle, who hooked home clinically from a dozen yards.

Efstathios Aloneftis whipped over an accurate cross which Ioannis Okkas met with a header, forcing Shay Given into a magnificent

one-handed save. Ireland took the initiative as a clever Doyle back heel set up Hunt for a low shot which went just wide before Richard Dunne appeared to have a strong claim for a penalty after he was impeded at Duff’s corner. But disaster struck for the visitors when Marios Elia equalised.

Dunne’s well-timed challenge stopped Aloneftis’ advance into the area, but the ball fell for Andreas Avraam, whose shot hit St. Ledger and was deflected into the path of the unmarked Elia who beat Given from just inside the Ireland box.

Glenn Whelan’s long-range shot drew a terrific save from Sofronis Avgousti at the start of a half which produced far fewer chances than the first had.

South Korea 3-1 Australia

Two early goals and a late header from Fulham's Seol Ki-hyeon handed South Korea a deserved victory over Australia in Seoul.

The hosts raced into a two-goal lead through Park Chu-young and Lee Jung-soo before a 33rd-minute header from Leeds defender Patrick Kisnorbo gave Australia a foothold in the game.

Australia, who recently moved up to 14th in the FIFA rankings, were second best for much of the contest. The visitors improved after the break, but Seol's late header sealed the home team's win at Seoul's World Cup Stadium.

In the first meeting between the sides since Australia's entry into the Asian Football Confederation, the hosts opened the scoring with their first meaningful attack after just five minutes.

A slip from North Queensland Fury left-back Shane Stefanutto allowed Bolton midfielder Lee Chung-yong to run at the Australian defence a play a simple pass into the path of Monaco's Park Chu-young, who beat Mark Schwarzer with a first-time shot from the edge of the six-yard area.

South Korea continued to press and added a second after 20 minutes as Ki Sung-yong's free-kick was turned back across the face of goal by Park Chu-young for Kyoto Sanga defender Lee Jang-soo to brush the ball home from close range to open his international account.

Australia, ranked number one in Asia ahead of fellow World Cup qualifiers Japan and South Korea, looked short of ideas but reduced the deficit before half-time.

Palermo midfielder Mark Bresciano swung in a perfect free-kick and Kisborno beat goalkeeper Lee Woon-jae to an attempted punch to head home from close range.

The visitors came more into the contest as the minutes ticked by and both substitute Nick Carle and Bresciano forced fine saves from Lee Woon-jae with long-range efforts.

But with just four minutes remaining, South Korea sealed the win as Seol beat Fulham team-mate Schwarzer from Park Ji-sung's inviting cross despite a despairing dive from the veteran goalkeeper.

Scotland 2 Macedonia 0

The Group Nine World Cup qualifier between Scotland and Macedonia at Hampden Park, Glasgow on Saturday Sept 5, 2009, kick-off 15.00 BST.

Scotland have kept their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup alive with victory over Macedonia at Hampden Park.

The win, courtesy of goals from Scott Brown and James McFadden, has also eased the pressure on Scotland manager George Burley.

Burley's position has come under the microscope since last month's 4-0 defeat in Norway left Scotland's hopes of reaching the World Cup in the balance. A loss against Macedonia today could have spelled the end of his tenure.

Despite a nervous and goalless first half where Scotland failed to muster a single shot on target, Burley's side turned up the heat after the interval.

Scott Brown, who was involved in a heated exchange with the opposition on the stroke of half-time, scored Scotland's vital opener - and his first international goal - when he headed home Steven Fletcher's centre on 56 minutes.

The visitors could have restored parity when Goran Pandev broke away down the left flank before whipping an inviting ball to the feet of Slavco Georgievski but he squandered a great opportunity to level by blasting wide of the upright.

Scotland should have doubled their advantage when Miller bore down on goal from the right flank only to see his effort flash across the face of goal and inches wide of the target.

Instead, the honours went to McFadden. A terrific solo effort saw him collect the ball on the halfway line before skipping past Sedloski and rounding the goalkeeper before coolly slotting into the back of the net with 10 minutes to go.

Scotland saw out the remainder of the match to claim the crucial three points, knowing they must do it all again when Group Nine winners Holland come calling on Wednesday night.

Mexico 2-1 United States

Mexico came from behind to beat rivals United States 2-1 in their World Cup qualifying game at Azteca on Wednesday.

Charlie Davies gave United States the lead as early as the ninth minute. It was the first time the US have taken the lead at Azteca.

Mexico then equalised when Cuauhtemoc Blano smartly found Israel Castro in space and the PUMA defender slotted home.

With just eigth minutes to go, Morelia striker Miguel Sabah took advantage of a melee in the US box to score the winning goal.

Giovani Dos Santos was on the pitch from the beginning, fulfilling that pacy attacking role that Castillo supplemented upon coming on.

"Yeah, I'm very happy with the way things went," Dos Santos said. "It's true that when you suffer more for the win, you enjoy it more."

Mexico next faces Costa Rica in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying.

Slovenia 5-0 San Marino

Slovenia reignited their hopes of World Cup qualification as they thrashed footballing minnows San Marino.

Captain Robert Koren set them on their way in the 19th minute and Aleksander Radosavljevic ensured they took a comfortable lead into the break.

Andraz Kirm's header and Koren's second of the night sealed the result before Zlatan Ljubijankic finally found the back of the net in stoppage-time to record Slovenia's third greatest victory.

The hosts leap into third spot in Group Three, two points behind Northern Ireland and four behind leaders Slovakia, who have a game in hand.

San Marino remain rock bottom with zero points having conceded 37 goals in eight games.

Matjaz Kek's team started lively, but failed to score until the 19th minute when Ljubijankic's cross fell to Koren and the captain fired his side into the lead.

Slovenia were by far the better team but had to wait until six minutes from the break to double their advantage when Radosavljevic headed home Bojan Jokic's cross.

Ljubijankic, who had been denied several times before the break. had two more chances at the beginning of the second half, but could not find the back of the net.

Slovenia's luck changed in the 54th minute when second half substitute Kirm headed in Miso Brecko's corner.

Koren doubled his tally 20 minutes later with a stunning strike from the edge of the area into the top left corner.

The West Brom midfielder almost added another in the final minute, dribbling past three defenders, only to lob the ball over the bar.

There was still time for a fifth, however, as Ljubijankic headed in a cross from Milivoje Novakovic in the third minute of added time.