GOONERSGUIDE WORLD CUP NEWS SECTION

This is our World Cup news section where we provide any news items that might have a significant effect on the matches being played - or sports betting in general.

World Cup News :: Who qualified for the 2010 World Cup Finals on Saturday?

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Posted on 2009-10-10 by Gooner

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SERBIA

Serbia beat Romania 5-0 in Belgrade to earn automatic qualification for the 2010 World Cup as unassailable leaders of European qualifying Group Seven.

Nikola Zigic gave the Serbs a half time lead before they hammered home their superiority after the break through goals from Marko Pantelic, Zdravko Kuzmanovic and a Milan Javanovic double.

DENMARK

Denmark reached their first major tournament since the 2004 European Championship courtesy of a 1-0 win over Sweden in Copenhagen.

Midfielder Jakob Poulsen's low, long-range strike in the 79th minute was enough to see off second-placed Sweden and ensure the Danes progression with one round of games remaining in Group One. Denmark coach Morten Olsen: "We played a better game so our win was well deserved. All the players who have been on the team have been fantastic."

GERMANY

Germany have not missed a World Cup finals since 1950 and that record was extended as they booked their place with a 1-0 win away to their group rivals Russia.

Miroslav Klose's 35th-minute strike clinched the win and saw Germany, who played the last 22 minutes with 10 men after Jerome Boateng was sent off, win the group with one round of matches remaining.

Germany coach Joachim Loew: "We said from the start that we wanted to play for a win here, and so go forward. Of course we had a bit of luck in some situations, one has to say that."

ITALY

Italy came from behind twice to earn a point in a 2-2 draw with Ireland at Croak Park, and secure their place in the World Cup finals.

Glenn Whelan gave the hosts the perfect start with a superb 20-yard strike after eight minutes. The Italians levelled on 23 minutes through Mauro Camoranesi's header.

Sean St. Ledger headed in after 87 minutes to put the Republic back in front but Alberto Gilardino fired home the equaliser in the final minute.

IVORY COAST

Ivory Coast drew 1-1 with Malawi in Blantyre to become the second African side to reach the 2010 World Cup in South Africa from the qualifiers.

Chelsea's Didier Drogba came on as a substitute to score the crucial equalising goal for the visitors after Jacob Ngwira's opener. The Ivorians, who have 13 points from five matches, have an unassailable lead at the top of qualifying Group E.

Striker Drogba: "I am very happy indeed because Ivory Coast is going to the World Cup for the second time."

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FULL LIST OF TEAMS AT 2010 WORLD CUP SO FAR :

HOSTS
South Africa

AFRICA QUALIFYING
Ghana
Ivory Coast

ASIA QUALIFYING
Japan
Australia
South Korea
North Korea

EUROPE QUALIFYING
England
Germany
Netherlands
Spain
Denmark
Serbia
Italy

SOUTH AMERICA QUALIFYING
Brazil
Paraguay

 

Sourced From : BBC Sport

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