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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 :: European World Cup playoffs - second leg on Wednesday night

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Posted on 2009-11-17 by Gooner

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The last four UEFA spots for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa are set to be decided on Wednesday evening.

None of the first-leg encounters ended in a margin of more than a single goal - so it's all to play for.

France v Ireland (1-0 after 1st leg)

France were the only side to claim an away win as they triumphed 1-0 in Dublin against the Republic of Ireland.

Statistics suggest that France should progress now, having not lost a home qualifier since Russia prevailed 3-2 ten years ago.

Around 25,000 Irish supporters expected to be cheering on their heroes at the Stade de France.

Slovenia v Russia (1-2 after first leg)

Slovenia’s late goal during their 2-1 loss in Russia could yet prove crucial.

Russia were dominating the game until their visitors were suddenly able to exploit a moment of awkwardness at the back. Nejc Pecnik’s strike changed the balance of the tie.

The Slovenians boast a proud record at home so far in qualifying, having not conceded once as they posted four wins and a draw with the Czech Republic in their group campaign.

Defending a narrow one-goal advantage will no doubt prove testing for a Russia side that will look to the talent of in-form Andrei Arshavin to grab an away effort of their own.

Bosnia-Herzegovina v Portugal (0-1 after first leg)

Portugal clinched the slenderest of victories as they saw off an ambitious Bosnia-Herzegovina team 1-0.

Portugal dominated their visitors comfortably and generally looked to be a notch above, however they were only able to convert one of their numerous chances and did not always appear secure at the back.

B&H will be missing suspended trio Emir Spahic, Elvir Rahimic and Samir Muratovic for the decider, but coach Miroslav Blazevic has announced he has “a new plan to surprise the Portuguese team” and predicts that their reunion will be “completely different”.

Ukraine v Greece (0-0 after first leg)

In the final tie there is still nothing to separate Greece and Ukraine following their 0-0 draw in Athens.

Ukraine lacked ambition in Greece, where they were more than happy to sit back and settle for a goalless stalemate.

Key Betting Stat

Since the introduction of the play-offs in 1998, every team victorious in the first leg has gone on to qualify.

That was true of Croatia and Yugoslavia in 1998, Turkey, Belgium and Slovenia in 2002 and the Czech Republic, Spain and Switzerland in 2006.

Sides that managed to draw away from home in the opener have also gone on to progress, as was the case with Italy in 1998 and Germany in 2002.

 

Sourced From : Gooners World Cup Football Betting

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