The first legs of the European World Cup play-offs took place yesterday (Saturday) and Russia, Portugal and France all take slender advantages into their second legs.
Portugal managed to beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0 in Lisbon in their first leg. With Cristiano Ronaldo ruled out of the tie through injury the Portuguese had to rely on the likes of Simao Sabrosa, Liedson and Deco for their creative spark but all three were guilt of below-par performances. It was Manchester United winger Nani who created the spark for Portugal’s only goal – his cross was headed home by Bruno Alves in the 31st minute.
Before the home side opened the scoring Bosnia had been happy to defend but after going behind they carved out some great chances and were unlucky not to level matters. They rattled the woodwork four times in search of an equaliser and they should go into the second leg on home soil in full-confidence.
The stand-out tie when the fixtures were drawn was the Republic of Ireland’s play-off with France. Last night’s game at Croke Park was a fairly cautious affair in all honesty with the French dominating possession though chances for both sides were few and far between. The Irish nearly opened the scoring through Stoke City’s Liam Lawrence but his shot was diverted past the post after a crucial block from Patrice Evra. The French managed to force a breakthrough in the second-half when Nicolas Anelka’s shot was deflected beyond Shay Given. Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni remains confident his side can emerge victorious after the second leg in Paris on Wednesday but it will be a massive task for the Irish and the French have to be considered firm-favourites with their one goal advantage to reach the World Cup next summer.
Russia managed to take the advantage in their play-off with Slovenia by beating them 2-1 in Russia. Everton winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov got both goals for Russia who were made to work hard by the visitors. Slovenia managed to halve the deficit with just two minutes of normal time remaining thanks to substitute Nejc Pecnik who grabbed a vital away goal. Pecnik’s strike does give Slovenia a great chance to cause an upset ahead of the second leg in Maribor.
The tie between Greece and the Ukraine in Athens ended goalless, meaning the Ukraine should probably now be considered favourites with home advantage for the second leg. It was a tight affair between the two sides and despite good chances for Greece’s Theofanis Gekas and the Ukraine’s Ruslan Rotan neither side could break the deadlock.
The second legs take place on Wednesday with France, Bosnia, Ukraine and Slovenia enjoying home advantage.
Written by Gareth Freeman, a sports writer promoting horse racing Ireland and the Grand National 2010 for Betfair.
