Previews

Last chance to reach finals

Author: John Harris
Date: 14/11/2009
Football betting

It is nearing crunch time for eight European nations ahead of their two-legged World Cup play-off games, starting at the weekend.

The stand-out clash has to be Republic of Ireland versus France when Giovanni Trapattoni will lead his men into battle aiming to add more pressure on Raymond Domenech.

Will Irish eyes be smiling this weekend as they aim to shoot down France? - Latest Football Betting

The Republic of Ireland fought gallantly in the group stage as they finished behind Italy.

They impressively remained undefeated in their ten games. However, their inability to turn draws into wins worked against them as the Azzurri secured a six-point qualification cushion.

France lost just a single game but they couldn't shake Serbia off top spot and they will firstly clash at Croke Park on Saturday before the return clash at Stade de France on Wednesday.

All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Portugal's tricky looking showdown with Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The holder of the world record transfer fee has been out injured for a month and his club Real Madrid are not prepared to let him feature.

It will be interesting to see if his nation dig their heels in and take a risk on their prized asset.

With players like Wolfsburg's Zvejdan Misimovic and Edin Dzeko, as well as Hoffenheim duo Sejad Salihovic and Vedad Ibisevic, the passionate Bosnians will fancy their chances over an average looking Portugal outfit.

Greece and Ukraine perhaps got the draw they would have wished for as they prepare to meet on Saturday.

Andriy Shevchenko and his team-mates should still be sky-high after beating England and Andorra to guarantee their play-off position ahead of Croatia in the group stage.

Greece finished behind Switzerland after losing two games during their qualifying campaign.

Russia will face plucky Slovenia, who caused an upset by finishing ahead of Czech Republic in their qualifying group.

With the first leg in Russia on Saturday, the hosts, armed with Andrey Arshavin, Pavel Pogrebnyak, Yuri Zhirkov and Igor Akinfeev, are online favourites to beat a Slovenian side that has very few household names.

West Bromwich Albion midfielder Robert Koren is the captain for his national side but is currently struggling to win a place for his club side.

The first leg in Moscow will be played on Luzhniki Stadium's artificial surface before the return leg in Maribor four days later.

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