Former champions France have been handed a potentially tough test in their bid to qualify for the World Cup finals after drawing the Republic of Ireland in the play-offs Monday. Giovanni Trapattoni's Irish side were one of the most impressive teams in their qualifying group eight, which was dominated by Italy.
And they were one of two teams, the other being Ukraine, the French wanted to avoid for the two-leg playoff in which Ireland play at home on November 14 before travelling to France four days later. On the plus side for France is the fact they will travel to Dublin's Croke Park, where the capacity is around 82,000, first. A second leg there could have been a handicap.
Portugal, the runners-up in Group 1 behind winners Denmark, will meet Bosnia-Herzegovina over two legs with home advantage first. Greece, runners-up in Group 2 behind Switzerland, will host Ukraine first before their second leg four days later while Russia host Slovenia first.
France had a mediocre start to qualifying in Group 7, won by Serbia, but eventually missed automaticentry by a point and finished seven points ahead of third-placed Austria. The group winners from the European zone who have already qualified are Denmark, Switzerland, Slovakia, Germany, Spain, England, Serbia, Italy and the Netherlands.
DRAW FOR THE WORLD CUP QUALIFYING PLAYOFFS:
Republic of Ireland v France
Portugal v Bosnia-Herzegovina
Greece v Ukraine
Russia v Slovenia
NOTE: playoffs to be contested November 14 and 18. Four play-off winners qualify for 2010 World Cup.