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Draw places Brazil, Portugal into Group of Death: The draw for the final tournament of the 2010 Men’s World Cup was kind to the defending finalists, but not the losing semifinalists. 2006 champions Italy face Paraguay, New Zealand, and first time qualifiers Slovakia in Group F, whilst France, who fell to the Azzurri in the 2006 final, were drawn against hosts South Africa, Mexico, and Uruguay in Group A. The Group of Death is widely considered to be Group G, which contains Brazil, Korea DPR, Côte d’Ivoire, and Portugal. The tournament’s opening match will be South Africa-Mexico at Johannesburg’s new Soccer City stadium on FRI 11 JUN 2010.
» Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
» Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, Korea Rep, Greece
» Group C: England, United States, Algeria, Slovenia
» Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana
» Group E: Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
» Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
» Group G: Brazil, Korea DPR, Côte d’Ivoire, Portugal
» Group H: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile
[posted SAT 05 DEC 2009 – 00:58:11 UTC]

Pots decided for South Africa 2010 draw: FIFA have settled on the pots, seedings, and draw procedure for the 2010 Men’s World Cup final tournament. The top seeds include hosts South Africa and the top seven teams in the FIFA world rankings of OCT 2009, who occupy Pot 1. Pot 2 contains the teams from the AFC, CONCACAF, and the OFC. Pot 3 holds the remaining teams from CAF and CONMEBOL, whilst Pot 4 contains the remaining UEFA teams. Each group will receive one team from each pot, and no group may contain more than two UEFA teams or more than one team from any other confederation. The draw begins at 17:00 UTC on FRI 04 DEC 2009 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
» Pot 1: South Africa, Brazil, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Argentina, England
» Pot 2: Australia, Honduras, Japan, Korea DPR, Korea Rep, Mexico, New Zealand, United States
» Pot 3: Algeria, Cameroon, Chile, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Paraguay, Uruguay
» Pot 4: Denmark, France, Greece, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland
[posted THU 03 DEC 2009 – 02:54:28 UTC]

UEFA matchday 18 recap: A quick summary of action around the UEFA playoffs on WED 18 NOV 2009.
» Ukraine 00-01 Greece: Greece reach the Men’s World Cup for the first time in sixteen years as Dimitris SALPIGIDAS scored the critical away goal in the first half, leading to a 1-0 aggregate win.
» Bosnia-Herzegovina 00-01 Portugal: Portugal won 2-0 on aggregate thanks to RAÚL MEIREILES’s second half goal.
» Slovenia 01-00 Russia: Nejc PEČNIK’s late goal in the first leg proved critical as Zlatko DEDIČ levelled the series 2-2 on aggregate at the end of the first half. That put the Slovenians up 1-0 on away goals, and Russia’s hopes of coming back diminished as first Aleksandr KERZHAKOV and then Yuri ZHIRKOV were sent off.
» France 01-01 Ireland Rep [F/OT]: But the most dramatic and contentious match was in Saint-Denis, where Robbie KEANE scored in the first half. Together with Nicolas ANELKA’s goal in the first leg, the series was level at 1-1, both goals away. When the match went to overtime, William GALLAS headed in France’s winning goal after a Thierry HENRY handball – which he admitted to postmatch – was missed by referee Martin HANSSON. France held on to win 2-1 on aggregate, but certainly Irish bitterness will not dwindle when South Africa 2010 kicks off without them.
¤ Qualified: France, Greece, Portugal, Slovenia
[posted THU 19 NOV 2009 – 09:04:15 UTC]

UEFA matchday 17 recap: A quick summary of action around the UEFA playoffs on SAT 14 NOV 2009.
» Russia 02-01 Slovenia: Diniyar BILYATDINOV was Russia’s hero with two goals, but Slovenia managed to keep themselves in the tie with a late goal by Nejc PEČNIK. Marko ŠULER nearly earned a stunning equaliser in stoppage time, but Russia keeper Igor AKINFEEV was able to make the diving save.
» Greece 00-00 Ukraine: There will be no daylight between the teams when they return to Donetsk, but Greece had two chances to take the lead late. Georgios SAMARAS sent a shot over the bar with ten minutes left, and Sotiris KYRGIAKOS headed a cross just wide of the post in stoppage time.
» Ireland Rep 00-01 France: Ireland Rep’s luck may have finally run out, as France won the first leg on a deflection. In the 72nd minute, Nicolas ANELKA’s shot from the top of the area rebounded off home defender Sean ST LEDGER, off the post, and into Shay GIVEN’s goal.
» Portugal 01-00 Bosnia-Herzegovina: Portugal scored the day’s only goal in the 31st minute, when BRUNO ALVES headed in a cross by NANI. Bosnia-Herz responded well after the setback and had a dual opportunity to earn a 90th minute equaliser: Edin DŽEKO sent a header off the crossbar, and the rebound, falling to Zlatan MUSLIMOVIĆ, went off the post.
[posted SUN 15 NOV 2009 – 05:44:53 UTC]

Ireland Rep to meet France in UEFA playoffs: The draw for the UEFA playoffs put massive challenges in the way of two recent champions. France, 1998 Men’s World Cup and Euro 2000 champions, must face Ireland Rep, whilst Euro 2004 champions Greece will play Ukraine. Each two leg series is played SAT 14-WED 18 NOV 2009.
» Playoff 1: Ireland Rep v France
» Playoff 2: Portugal v Bosnia-Herzegovina
» Playoff 3: Greece v Ukraine
» Playoff 4: Russia v Slovenia
[posted TUE 20 OCT 2009 – 02:34:45 UTC]

France lead UEFA playoff seeds: France, Portugal, Russia, and Greece have been announced as the four seeded teams for the UEFA playoffs. As the four leading teams in the OCT 2009 FIFA rankings, they will each be drawn against one of the unseeded teams: Ukraine, Ireland Rep, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Slovenia. The playoff draw takes place at 12:00 UTC on MON 19 OCT 2009 in Zürich, Switzerland.
» Seeded teams: France [9th], Portugal [10th], Russia [12th], Greece [16th]
» Unseeded teams: Ukraine [22nd], Ireland Rep [34th], Bosnia-Herz [42nd], Slovenia [49th]
[posted SUN 18 OCT 2009 – 19:30:59 UTC]

UEFA matchday 16 recap: A quick summary of action around the UEFA group phase on WED 14 OCT 2009.
» Poland 00-01 Slovakia: Heavy snow in Chorzów may have contributed to the disastrous start; just four minutes in, Seweryn GANCARCZYK bundled a cross into his own goal. Slovak goalkeeper Ján MUCHA spent the rest of the match keeping the inspired home side out of his goal, giving Slovakia the points they needed to win Group 3. Slovenia took second place by defeating San Marino.
» Switzerland 00-00 Israel: A second yellow for Avihai YADIN ended Israel’s slight hopes of advancing out of Group 2. The draw meant a second consecutive Men’s World Cup appearance for the Swiss and a playoff place for Greece, who won against Luxembourg.
» Andorra 00-06 Ukraine: Ukraine had little trouble with the wooden spoon recipients of Group 6 and earned a place in the playoffs.
» Portugal 04-00 Malta: Portugal completed their Group 1 comeback and earned a playoff place with an easy win over Malta, their fourth win in the last five matches.
¤ Qualified: Denmark, England, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland
» Advanced to playoffs: Bosnia-Herzegovina, France, Greece, Ireland Rep, Portugal, Russia, Slovenia, Ukraine
[posted FRI 16 OCT 2009 – 04:54:42 UTC]

UEFA matchday 15 recap: A quick summary of action around the UEFA group phase on SAT 10 OCT 2009.
» Russia 00-01 Germany: Miroslav KLOSE was the hero as Germany secured qualification from Group 4. Russia will have another chance in the playoffs.
» Estonia 00-02 Bosnia-Herzegovina: Bosnia-Herz also wrapped up a playoff place as the number two team in Group 5. Vedad IBIŠEVIĆ sealed the win with Bosnia-Herz’s second goal midway through the second half.
» Ukraine 01-00 England: Ukraine now have a leg up on Croatia for the Group 6 playoff place after their win over previously undefeated England. Three Lions goalkeeper Robert GREEN was sent off for a professional foul just fifteen minutes in.
» Denmark 01-00 Sweden: A thunderous strike from Jakob POULSEN twelve minutes from time proved decisive as Denmark won Group 1. Sweden must now hope for Portugal to slip up against Malta on WED 14 OCT 2009.
» Greece 05-02 Latvia: Fanis GEKAS took his tally to nine total goals in the qualifiers with four tonight, helping Greece keep second place in Group 2. A win against Luxembourg on the last matchday means at least a playoff place.
» Slovakia 00-02 Slovenia: The Slovaks blew a chance to secure their first trip to a Men’s World Cup as Valter BIRSA and Nejc PEČNIK scored for Slovenia. Slovakia will have another opportunity to take the Group 1 crown against Poland on Wednesday.
» Ireland Rep 02-02 Italy: Sean ST LEDGER sent the fans at Croke Park into a frenzy as he scored his first goal for Ireland Rep to take the lead in the 87th minute. But just two minutes later, Alberto GILARDINO equalised, and Italy earned qualification from Group 8. Ireland Rep are assured of a playoff position.
¤ Qualified this matchday: Denmark, Germany, Italy, Serbia
» Advanced this matchday: Bosnia-Herzegovina, France, Ireland Rep, Switzerland
× Eliminated this matchday: Austria, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Turkey
[posted SUN 11 OCT 2009 – 00:25:19 UTC]

UEFA matchday 10 recap: A quick summary of action around the UEFA group phase on SAT 06 JUN 2009.
» Bulgaria 01-01 Ireland Rep: Dimitar TELKIYSKI neutralised Richard DUNNE’s goal just five minutes later, but Ireland Rep must surely be pleased with the draw, which leaves them one point back of Group 8 leaders Italy.
» Sweden 00-01 Denmark: Sweden’s trials continued in Solna, where Kim KÄLLSTRÖM stepped up to take a penalty in the 12th minute. But his weak effort was easily saved by Thomas SØRENSEN, and Thomas KAHLENBERG scored ten minutes later to send Denmark back atop Group 1.
» Serbia 01-00 Austria: Nenad MILIJAŠ, however, made no such mistake on his early penalty. Serbia extended their Group 7 lead to five points over France.
» Iceland 01-02 Netherlands: But the day belonged to the Dutch, who won their sixth straight qualifier to become UEFA’s first qualifier for South Africa 2010. Nigel DE JONG and Mark VAN BOMMEL gave the Netherlands a 2-0 lead after just sixteen minutes. Though Kristján Örn SIGURDSSON scored for the home side with two minutes remaining, the Netherlands held on to win Group 9.
¤ Qualified this matchday: Netherlands
× Eliminated this matchday: Albania, Georgia
[posted TUE 09 JUN 2009 – 07:58:42 UTC]

UEFA matchday 4 recap: A quick summary of action around the UEFA group phase on SAT 11 OCT 2008.
» Ukraine 00-00 Croatia: After their nerves calmed, Croatia held most of the possession in this Group 6 match, but could not score past Ukraine keeper Andriy PYATOV.
» Sweden 00-00 Portugal: With talent like Zlatan IBRAHIMOVIĆ, Cristiano RONALDO, and João MOUTINHO on the pitch, this match was expected to offer many fireworks. But the shots were well off target, and the teams shared the points and watched Denmark become Group 1 leaders.
» Turkey 02-01 Bosnia-Herzegovina: Edin DZEKO put visiting Bosnia-Herz ahead midway through the first half, but with goals by Arda TURAN and Mevlüt ERDİNÇ in the second half, Turkey earned the win to keep pace with Spain and Belgium in Group 5.
» Poland 02-01 Czech Rep: Pawel BROZEK and Jakub BŁASZCZYKOWSKI were the goalscorers as they, along with Slovenia and Slovakia, pulled away from the back three in Group 3.
» Romania 02-02 France: Down 2-0 after just seventeen minutes, les Bleus fought back and earned a draw with goals from Franck RIBÉRY and Yoann GOURCUFF. Both teams remain tied for third in Group 7.
» Germany 02-01 Russia: Early in the second half, Andrei ARSHAVIN pulled Russia halfway back from a two goal deficit, but Germany held on to keep the lead in Group 4.
[posted TUE 14 OCT 2008 – 06:26:42 UTC]

UEFA matchday 3 recap: A quick summary of action around the UEFA group phase on WED 10 SEP 2008.
» Lithuania 02-00 Austria: Lithuania took over the Group 7 lead through two goals from Tomas DANILEVICIUS.
» Finland 03-03 Germany: Three times Finland took the lead, but each time Miroslav KLOSE was there to score an equaliser. Germany maintain their slim lead atop Group 4.
» Turkey 01-01 Belgium: EMRE Belözoğlu scored on a second half penalty, salvaging a draw after Wesley SONCK’s goal for Belgium. The teams are tied in Group 5, two points behind Spain.
» Switzerland 01-02 Luxembourg: The Swiss believed they had escaped ignominy when Blaise N’KUFO scored to draw level. But in the 86th minute, Alphonse LEWECK found net, and Luxembourg moved into an unlikely tie for third place in Group 2.
» Slovenia 02-01 Slovakia: Milivoje NOVAKOVIČ scored two goals, leading Slovenia to a tie with Poland for first in Group 3.
» Croatia 01-04 England: Since becoming independent, Croatia had never lost a Men’s World Cup qualifier at home. But Theo WALCOTT, who is only slightly older than Croatia itself, ended that record in decisive fashion with three goals. England, along with Ukraine, now lead Group 6.
» France 02-01 Serbia: After losing to Austria in their opener, France got back on track by defeating Serbia on goals by Thierry HENRY and Nicolas ANELKA.
» Portugal 02-03 Denmark: This wild encounter was 1-0 in Portugal’s favour with seven minutes remaining. But a late flurry culminated in a winning goal in stoppage time from Daniel JENSEN, putting Denmark in the thick of a three way tie for first in Group 1.
[posted THU 11 SEP 2008 – 05:08:06 UTC]

UEFA matchday 2 recap: A quick summary of action around the UEFA group phase on SAT 06 SEP 2008.
» Poland 01-01 Slovenia: Michał ŻEWŁAKOW scored for the home side on a first half penalty, but less than twenty minutes later, Zlatko DEDIČ had earned an equaliser for Slovenia. Meanwhile, Slovakia took the lead in Group 3 by defeating Northern Ireland.
» Albania 00-00 Sweden: A Swedish side already hit by injuries was made to suffer further when Tobias LINDEROTH was injured just five minutes in. Under new coach Arie HAAN, Albania kept up the tempo and earned a draw in their first Group 1 match. Portugal are atop the group with a win over Malta.
» Israel 02-02 Switzerland: Blaise N’KUFO had headed in the Swiss’ second after 56 minutes, but Yossi BENAYOUN scored one for Israel prior to Ben SAHAR’s stoppage time equaliser. But Greece and Latvia are tied for first in Group 2 after defeating Luxembourg and Moldova respectively.
» Austria 03-01 France: The day’s most surprising result had to be in Group 7, where Marc JANKO put the homestanding Austrians ahead in the eighth minute. Then, in the 72nd minute with the score 2-1, Janko drew a penalty that Andreas IVANSCHITZ converted to seal the win. Les Bleus now find themselves three points behind Austria, Lithuania, and Serbia.
» Spain 01-00 Bosnia-Herzegovina: The new European champions are off to a good start in Group 5, with David VILLA continuing his Euro 2008 form by scoring the only goal in the second half. Turkey and Belgium join Spain atop the group.
[posted SUN 07 SEP 2008 – 23:51:09 UTC]

Qualifying draw to reveal all: The footballing world is descending upon Durban, South Africa for the draw for the 2010 Men’s World Cup qualifiers. Five Asian, twelve North American, nine European, and twelve African groups will be drawn in the festivities, which start at 15:00 UTC on SUN 25 NOV 2007. The CONMEBOL group phase and OFC final round are already underway and do not require draws. Below are listed the top seeded teams in each of the other confederations.
» AFC third round: Australia, Korea Rep, Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia
» CONCACAF first round: Mexico, United States, Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama, Trinidad-Tobago, Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, Guatemala, Canada, Guyana
» UEFA group phase: Italy, Spain, Germany, Czech Rep, France, Portugal, Netherlands, Croatia, Greece
» CAF second round: Cameroon, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, Ghana, Tunisia, Egypt, Guinea, Senegal, Mali, Angola, Togo
[posted SAT 24 NOV 2007 – 19:45:26 UTC]

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