France face Ireland in play-offs
Monday, October 19, 2009
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France must overcome the Republic of Ireland if they wish to win a second FIFA World Cup next summer while the draw for next month's play-offs also paired Portugal with Bosnia-Herzegovina.
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France must overcome the Republic of Ireland if they are to emulate their 1998 FIFA World Cup win in South Africa next summer after the qualifying play-off draw was made in Zurich.
Ties
The top eight runners-up from the nine European qualifying groups will take part in two-legged ties on 14 and 18 November, and Les Bleus were drawn against Ireland, pipped in their pool by Italy. Portugal, who won their last three qualifiers to beat Sweden to the play-offs, have been drawn against a Bosnia-Herzegovina side aiming to reach their first major finals. Former European champions Greece meet Ukraine and Russia take on Slovenia in the other ties.
Qualified nine
Already through to the finals from 11 June until 11 July 2010 from Europe are the nine qualifying group winners: Denmark, Switzerland, Slovakia, Germany, Spain, England, Serbia, the Netherlands and holders Italy. The 32-team World Cup draw will be held on 4 December at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
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