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.