FIFA opens disciplinary action against Egypt

ZURICH (AFP) - FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Egypt following the violence before their World Cup qualifier with Algeria in Cairo last week, world football's governing body said.

"According to the official reports received by FIFA, on 12 November, there were incidents affecting the Algerian team on its way from the airport to the hotel," a statement posted on FIFA's website said.

"Consequently, disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the Egyptian Football Association. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will decide on the case," it added.

FIFA officials had already acknowledged that three Algerian players and the goalkeeping coach suffered injuries that "weren't superficial" when their coach was attacked.

Egypt later won that match, leading to a tie in their group and a play-off in Sudan on Wednesday that Algeria won 1-0 to secure a berth in the World Cup finals.

The incidents and subsequent row over the play-off have triggered a diplomatic spat between the two countries.

Egypt also announced it was suspending its membership of the Union of North African Football Federations, complaining that Algerian fans had thrown stones at its fans in Sudan.

The Egyptian Football Federation wrote to its counterparts in Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia charging that its fans had come under sustained assault during the make-or-break qualification play-off on Wednesday, the state MENA news agency reported.

Ferguson and Wenger back calls for video ref help

MANCHESTER (AFP) - Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger joined forces Friday to call for video technology to be used in football to avoid controversies like the one that has marred France's qualification for the World Cup.

The issue over whether football should embrace the technology available was re-ignited on Wednesday night when France's Thierry Henry used his hand to control the ball before crossing for William Gallas to score the goal that ended Ireland's chances of going to South Africa.

Ferguson supports change but the Scot fears that all discussion on the issue is futile because world football's governing body, FIFA, are simply not interested in revolutionising the role of the referee.

He said: "The stance is that they prefer human decision-making rather than technology decision-making and until they change their mind there is nothing you can do about it - you have to convince them, nobody else.

"It is not a matter of asking every player and manager in the world their opinion because they will all share the same one, as I do myself, that technology can play a part and can help referees in a situation like the other night."

Gallas?s goal sent France to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with a 2-1 aggregate victory while Ireland have been left counting the cost of some extreme misfortune.

Ferguson added: "My thoughts were with (Ireland coach) Giovanni Trapattoni. He prepared a team that put in an absolutely magnificent performance. You couldn't ask for better from a coach but it was taken away from him.

"It happens and it's denied a couple of our players the great experience of playing in the World Cup finals and you'll never get a better experience than that."

Ferguson's call for the introduction of technological support for match officials was backed by Arsenal boss Wenger, who argued that mistakes like the Henry one could no longer be accepted given the stakes involved.

"Football accepts that a billion people see it, one guy doesn't see it and it is the one who prevails. It cannot work," Wenger said.

"We cannot accept that an obvious decision is wrong because we do not want to give ourselves all the needed help we can have in the modern game.

"Being at the game, I saw the referee giving a goal knowing that something was wrong and that is really sad. He didn't see it, I can understand, the linesman didn't see it, but they couldn't get any help.

"In the end, he gave a goal, already knowing that it wasn't a goal. We cannot accept that in our sport and you have to do something about it."

Wenger said the referee should be able to consult video footage in such cases.

"We cannot sort out all the cases but we have to sort out as many cases as we can."

Wenger also admitted to feeling a little 'embarrassed' by the nature of France's qualification.

"For the sense of justice it is quite embarrassing to see," he said. "I think even France is embarrassed. We didn't play well at all and we won the game and won the qualification with a goal that was not a goal."

Smith rules out second stint with Scotland

GLASGOW (AFP) - Walter Smith, the Rangers boss who had been regarded as one of the favourites to become Scotland's next manager, on Friday ruled himself out of a return to the helm of the national squad.

Smith was in charge of Scotland between 2004 and 2007 and was credited with engineering a turnaround in the fortunes of a squad that had fallen to its lowest ever point in the world rankings under his predecessor Berti Vogts.

Smith left during the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign to return to Rangers on a three-year contract which is due to expire in January.

That has created uncertainty over his future but speculation that he might be tempted by a return to international football was quashed on Friday.

"When I left Scotland, we were in the middle of a qualifying campaign," he said. "After making the decision to leave Scotland at that time, I don't feel it would be right to go back and that is the situation.

"The matter is now closed as far as I am concerned."

Smith was at pains to point out that he had not been approached by the Scottish Football Association about the vacancy created by the sacking of George Burley earlier this week.

"What I am doing is responding to press speculation in a bid to end it as I don't think it is fair on anyone," he added.

"The fact is, I left the Scotland job of my own volition. Sometimes when you get the sack, it is actually easier to go back. But when you make your own decision to leave then it isn't that easy."

Smith's statement leaves Dundee United manager Craig Levein as the clear favourite to replace Burley, who was dismissed after 22 months in charge in which Scotland won just three of their 14 matches and failed to reach the World Cup qualifying play-offs.

Thierry Henry says replay ´fairest solution´

LONDON (AFP) - France captain Thierry Henry said on Friday that "the fairest solution" to the row surrounding his handball in the World Cup playoff against Ireland would be to replay the match.

He renewed his admission that he had controlled the ball with his hand, but insisted it was "instinctive" in the heat of the action.

"Of course the fairest solution would be to replay the game but it is not in my control," Henry said, in a statement sent to Sky Sports News in Britain and other media.

"Naturally I feel embarrassed at the way that we won and feel extremely sorry for the Irish who definitely deserve to be in South Africa," said the Barcelona and former Arsenal striker.

He released the statement after football's world governing body FIFA officially turned down a request for a replay lodged by the Irish football authorities.

Video replays showed Henry used his hand to stop the ball going out of play in extra-time of Wednesday's playoff in Paris, before he passed to William Gallas to head the goal which gave France a 2-1 win over the two legs.

Henry continued: "There is little more I can do apart from admit that the ball had contact with my hand leading up to our equalising goal and I feel very sorry for the Irish."

He admitted immediately after the game that he had handled the ball, and reiterated that admission on Friday -- but insisted he had acted out of instinct.

"I have said at the time and I will say again that yes I handled the ball," he said.

"I am not a cheat and never have been. It was an instinctive reaction to a ball that was coming extremely fast in a crowded penalty area.

"As a footballer you do not have the luxury of the television to slow the pace of the ball down 100 times to be able to make a conscious decision.

"People are viewing a slow motion version of what happened and not what I or any other footballer faces in the game.

"If people look at it in full speed you will see that it was an instinctive reaction.

"It is impossible to be anything other than that. I have never denied that the ball was controlled with my hand. I told the Irish players, the referee and the media this after the game."

Swedish referee Martin Hansson failed to spot the incident, and awarded the goal which sent the 1998 World Cup winners into the draw for the 32-nation finals next year.

The Football Association of Ireland called Thursday for the match to be replayed, calling the decision to award the decisive goal a "blatantly incorrect decision by the referee" which had "damaged the integrity of the sport."

But FIFA said in its reply Friday: "The result of the match cannot be changed and the match cannot be replayed."

Europe rocked by fresh match-fixing scandal

BOCHUM, Germany (AFP) - Around 200 football matches in nine European countries including at least three Champions League games are implicated in a new match-fixing scandal, German prosecutors said on Friday.

UEFA expert Peter Limacher told a press conference in Germany that the revelations represented "clearly" the worst ever match-fixing scandal in European football, as the governing body vowed tough sanctions for those involved.

The suspect matches took place in Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Croatia, Slovenia, Turkey, Hungary, Bosnia-Hercegovina and Austria, netting criminals several million euros (dollars) in betting profits, prosecutors believe.

They include 12 matches this season from the Europa League, formerly known as the UEFA Cup, one qualifying game for the under-21 European championship and four from the German second division.

European football's governing body said it had actively been involved in the probe and monitoring the suspicious betting patterns.

"UEFA will be demanding the harshest of sanctions before the competent courts for any individuals, clubs or officials who are implicated in this malpractice, be it under state or sports jurisdiction," UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino said in a statement.

UEFA said it would give details of the matches later, but the 15 at European level involved early qualifying round games, while the rest were under the jurisdictions of national football associations.

Police carried out around 50 raids on Thursday in Germany, Britain, Switzerland and Austria, arresting 15 people in Germany and two in Switzerland. More than one million euros in cash and property were seized.

A network of some 200 people is suspected of influencing matches and placing bets on them with bookmakers in Europe and Asia. Prosecutors have reason to believe that players, coaches, referees and officials were offered bribes.

Two of those arrested in Thursday included two Croatian brothers living in Berlin, Ante and Milan Sapina, who were at the centre of a match-fixing scandal that rocked Germany in 2004, newspapers said.

Harald Stenger, a spokesman for the German Football Federation (DFB), said on Thursday: "As far as the DFB knows, no German matches are affected."

But prosecutors are scrutinising 32 matches in Germany, including two in the second division, three in the third, 23 games in regional leagues and two under-19 clashes.

German daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung reported that one of the games being investigates was a friendly between German side SSV Ulm against Fenerbahce Istanbul in July.

The Turkish side won 5-0, and investigators suspect that "certain currently unidentified SSV Ulm players" received more than 10,000 euros (14,900 dollars) each to throw the game, the paper said.

Ulm's manager Markus Loesch told Bild. "Looking at how the game panned out, I can't see how it (throwing the game) could have happened," Loesch said.

The team's goalkeeper Holger Betz agreed: "At the beginning we had two good chances. After the first goal, it was all over. We could have lost by an even greater margin."

Reports also said that the ring was believed to have placed enormous bets with Asian bookmakers, where limits on the sums that punters can gamble as as much as 30,000 euros (45,000 dollars), much higher than in Europe.

The 2004 German scandal saw referee Robert Hoyzer sentenced to two years and five months behind bars after admitting receiving almost 70,000 euros (104,000 dollars) and a plasma television from a Croatian mafia ring to throw games.

The matches concerned were mainly in the German second and third division, but a German Cup match between first division SV Hamburg and third division Paderborn and a first division match in Turkey were also affected.

Hoyzer was released after serving half of his sentence. Ante Sapina was jailed for two years and 11 months, while his brother Milan escaped with a suspended sentence.

Donovan named MLS MVP

SEATTLE, Washington (AFP) - Los Angeles Galaxy and USA forward Landon Donovan was named the 2009 Major League Soccer's Most Valuable Player on Thursday.

Donovan, the United States' all-time leading scorer, helped the Galaxy reach Sunday's MLS Cup final, the club's first appearance in the championship match since 2005.

Despite all the accolades he has earned, this is the first time Donovan has garnered the MLS MVP.

Donovan scored 12 goals during the regular season, helping the Galaxy rally for the best record in the Western Conference.

During the playoffs, Donovan scored twice in the Galaxy's first-round series victory over Los Angeles rivals Chivas USA, and scored a penalty in extra time against Houston in their 2-0 conference final victory last Friday.

Bordeaux, Lyon look to restore French pride

PARIS (AFP) - League leaders Bordeaux and closest rivals Lyon will hope to restore French football's battered reputation on Saturday, as league action returns to focus minds away from World Cup controversy.

Three days after Thierry Henry's handball helped steer France past Ireland and into the World Cup finals, champions Bordeaux, who signed off before the international break with a 2-0 defeat at Lille, host a Valenciennes side who are the most prolific team in the division.

Philippe Montanier's men have not lost since a 3-2 defeat at Nice on October 3 and have scored a league-high 23 goals in their 12 games to date.

"The France team will need a rest," said a jocular Montanier, in reference to the mid-week exertions of Bordeaux's French international midfielders Yoann Gourcuff and Alou Diarra.

"It's understandable: Gourcuff and Diarra will need a rest on Saturday."

Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc, whose side travel to Turin to face Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday, conceded that both players needed rest.

"Yoann Gourcuff came off with an adductor muscle problem," he said.

"We will see what it is. For Alou, playing 120 minutes in those conditions is psychologically very difficult."

Lyon, a point behind Bordeaux in second place, travel to Grenoble, who picked up their first point of the season in a 0-0 draw at Monaco last time out but are still 11 points adrift of safety at the foot of the table.

Third-placed Auxerre are the league's in-form team and will look to extend their winning streak to seven matches when they welcome fourth-placed Monaco to the Stade l'Abbe-Deschamps in Saturday's evening game.

Montpellier, promoted from Ligue 2 last season and riding high in sixth place, visit Lille on Sunday, while 10-time champions Saint-Etienne will hope to put further daylight between themselves and the relegation zone when they host fifth-placed Lorient.

The top flight's biggest match was taking place on Friday when Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain were meeting in a re-arranged league fixture at the Stade Velodrome.

The original match was postponed at short notice on October 25 after an outbreak of swine flu at the Parisian club and Marseille midfielder Benoit Cheyrou says the ensuing wait has served only to motivate his side.

"It was a strange feeling to be told on the day of the game that it had been called off," he said.

"But that's just the way it was and we didn't get to have our say in the matter. It just means we'll be even more motivated for Friday."

Marseille's last league outing saw them snatch an incredible 5-5 draw at Lyon after coming back from 4-2 and then 5-4 down, and victory over PSG would take them to within three points of Bordeaux.

"It's always a special game and we're ready to do everything to take the three points," said Cheyrou.

"It's the first game of a big run for us as we'll be playing every three days until Christmas."

PSG are without suspended skipper Claude Makelele for the trip to the south coast, but swine flu victims Mamadou Sakho, Ludovic Giuly, Jeremy Clement and Loris Arnaud have all returned to full fitness.

Antoine Kombouare's side are currently 13th in the table after a stuttering start to the season but victory on Friday night would move them level on 19 points with eighth-placed Marseille.

"We're going to go there in the right frame of mind to play well," said Sakho. "We know there are a lot of things that go on around a match like this, but we just have to concentrate on what happens on the pitch."

Fixtures

Friday (2000GMT)

Marseille v Paris Saint-Germain

Saturday (1800GMT unless otherwise stated)

Bordeaux v Valenciennes, Grenoble v Lyon, Lens v Nancy, Rennes v Le Mans, Auxerre v Monaco (2000GMT)

Sunday (1600GMT unless otherwise stated)

Nice v Toulouse, Saint-Etienne v Lorient, Montpellier v Lille (2000GMT)

Australia boost football World Cup bid team: report

SYDNEY (AFP) - Australia has recruited successful German consultant Andreas Abold to orchestrate its bid for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup, reports said on Friday.

Abold, who leads a Munich-based events management team, was behind the successful World Cup bids from Germany (2006) and South Africa (2010) and will now help plot Australia's bid, reports said.

"We will host the World Cup," Abold told the Daily Telegraph.

"We are working with Football Federation Australia (FFA) on all the upcoming milestones, such as the FIFA inspection visit which we expect to be in your winter - and definitely the final presentation," he said.

"At the very last moment you have to address your key messages to the 24 decision makers (on the FIFA Executive), and no one knows what will happen, which continents will be eliminated as it unfolds and which are still in contention."

Abold said the message to be hammered home was that Australia was a safe pair of hands with a can-do mentality making for a tournament FIFA, the sport's governing body, could be certain would be a success.

"I know there is a certain perception of Australia as a 'no worries' country and this is what we want to communicate to FIFA, who after all will be handing over their most valuable asset, the World Cup," he said.

"Our strategy is to say that in Australia you have a safe pair of hands -- we know exactly how to deliver and that you can rely on our guarantees."

Abold said Australia's home within Asian football gave it a serious selling point.

Australia's bid was given a glowing endorsement this week by FIFA executive committee member Jack Warner, who said the country has an "excellent chance" of hosting the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.

Australia is up against a joint bid from Spain and Portugal, with England, Japan, China, the United States and Russia also seeking the 2018 tournament, while Belgium and the Netherlands are mulling a joint bid.

FFA chairman Frank Lowy has said previously that Australia's prime objective was 2018, with 2022 a possible second prize.

FIFA's executive committee will make a decision in December 2010 on which country will host the 2018 tournament.

South Africa will host the next World Cup in 2010, followed by Brazil in 2014.

African superstars await Nations Cup fate

LUANDA (AFP) - African superstars Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto'o and Michael Essien will discover Friday who they face at the 2010 African Nations Cup in Angola.

A draw ceremony in the capital of the oil-rich south-west Africa state divides the 16 qualifiers into four groups from which the winners and runners-up advance to the quarter-finals.

Chelsea striker Drogba is the main source of Ivory Coast goals, Eto'o of Inter Milan serves a similar role with Cameroon and Essien, also from English Premiership table-toppers Chelsea, drives the Ghana midfield.

And with the top 10 football nations on the continent among those securing places, the stage is set for an intriguing January 10-31 tournament as Egypt seek a record third consecutive title.

Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Nigeria, all qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, are former African champions and potential winners of the first Nations Cup to be staged by a Portuguese-speaking country.

Even Angola, lowest ranked of the contenders at 21, dare not be dismissed given the record of hosts in a tournament first staged 52 years ago in Sudan and won by Egypt.

Egypt (2006) and Tunisia (2004) lifted the title on home soil, Nigeria (2000) came second, Ghana (2008) third and, significantly, apparent whipping boys Mali (2002) and Burkina Faso (1998) fourth.

Apart from the benefit of home support in one of the few African countries where basketball rivals football for popularity, Angola are automatically among the top seeds as hosts which generally delivers a kinder draw.

There is also the Manuel Jose factor. The charismatic 63-year-old Portuguese steered Cairo club Al-Ahly to four African Champions League titles and is hoping his formula works equally well at national-team level.

No Nations Cup line-up would be complete without a fairytale participant and this time it is Malawi, back for a second appearance 25 years after last competing.

After failing with a succession of foreign coaches, the 'Flames' turned to former national star Kinnah Phiri and a come-from-behind home draw against Ivory Coast secured an ultimately decisive point.

Another country back on centre stage after a long absence is Mozambique, a well-drilled team under Dutch coach Mart Nooij who defeated Tunisia and held Ivory Coast and Nigeria in Maputo.

The full Cup line-up includes Angola, Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Togo, Tunisia and Zambia.

Notable absentees are former champions Democratic Republic of Congo, Morocco and South Africa and Senegal with only the North African 'Atlas Lions' even managing to make the final qualifying round.

Angola have built stadiums in Luanda, Benguela, Cabinda and Lubango for the 32-fixture tournament with the opening match and final to be played at the 50,000-seater in the capital.

Henry handball row fuels calls for video, extra officials

LONDON (AFP) - Thierry Henry's handball that helped France reach the World Cup finals triggered fresh calls for referees to be given more help to get decisions right, either from video technology or extra officials.

FIFA has so resisted pressure to allow officials to review tough-to-call incidents on video as happens in both codes of rugby, tennis and cricket.

Opponents of such moves argue that video evidence is often inconclusive and that the process of watching would interrupt the flow of the game.

But this season has seen the experimental introduction of two extra officials for matches in the Europa League. Stationed on goallines, the officials are intended to act as a 'human camera' helping referees spot fouls, diving and other misdemeanours in the penalty area.

The experiment has had mixed reviews from players and officials so far, but Alex McLeish, the former Scotland manager now in charge at Birmingham, believes the system would have ensured that Henry's handball would have been spotted on Wednesday evening.

"The extra official would have seen that given that the referee's assistant on the far side didn't really have a view of it and the referee was unsighted," McLeish argued.

Steve Bruce, the Sunderland manager, said Henry's use of his hand to control the ball before crossing for William Gallas to score in extra-time would go down as one of the most controversial incidents in football history.

"Surely it is time now for technology to come into it," Bruce said. "I can sympathise with the referee - even the television didn't pick it up until the replay - but it was obvious from the reaction of the Irish something untoward had happened.

"It took 15 seconds on the TV to establish it was blatant handball - and he didn't handball it once, but twice.

"It might be human error but we can change that with the technology we have got. That has got to be the way forward."

That view was backed by Gordon Taylor, the chief executive of England's Professional Footballers' Association.

"For a sport that is so high profile, with so much money and so much prestige at stake, video technology has to be used.

"You can bring in as many assistant referees behind the goals as you like but, until there is technology, there will continue to be debatable decisions.

"Rugby, tennis, cricket and American sports have all embraced technology and it can actually add to the excitement of a match. I think not to use it is burying one's head in sand."

Slovenian PM keeps promise and becomes shoe shine boy

Boru Pahor is a man of his word. Last month, the Slovenian Prime Minister promised to clean the shoes of the players of the national team if they would reach the World Cup.

On Wednesday night, Pahor became a shoe shine boy after the Slovenians defeated Russia to qualify for the World Cup. "I just cleaned the players' shoes but I admit I did not clean them thoroughly," Pahor told TV Slovenia after coming from the dressing room.

Pahor watched the match in the company of Slovenian President Danilo Turk, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Russian billionaire and Roman Abramovich, owner of English Premier League club Chelsea.

Car horns blew in Slovenia's second largest city Maribor, where the match took place, and in the capital Ljubljana, after the country managed to qualify for the World Cup finals for the second time since its independence in 1991 and first since 2002.

Hiddink: "All credits to the Slovenians"

Obviously, he was disappointed after his team was eliminated for the World Cup, but Russia coach Guus Hiddink remained realistic after the 1-0 loss in Maribor against Slovenia.

"All credits to the Slovenians," Hiddink said after the match. "They kept fighting for each meter and for each ball." Alexander Kerzhakov's red card in the 66th minute was the turning point of the match, according to Hiddink. The former Chelsea coach also referred to the late goal that Russia conceded in the first leg of the play-offs.

"That goal was crucial and we should have never conceded it but it's useless to look back. Fact is, Russia failed to reach the World Cup."

Hiddink gave nothing away about his future with Russia. The Dutchman, whose existing contract expires in summer 2010 following the finals, had announced towards the end of Russia's qualifying campaign that any questions about his future would be dealt at with at a later stage.

"I have an existing contract until the end of the World Cup finals in July 2010.

"The question (of whether I will continue to Euro 2012) will require some time for thought.

"Before the matches with Germany and Slovenia the Russian Football Association (RFS) expressed their desire to continue working together.

"But we'll talk about the future at a later stage."

Chiellini: "I didn't hurt Van Persie"

Italian international Giorgio Chiellini denies he hurt Robin van Persie. A challenge by Chiellini led to torn ankle ligaments that will keep the Arsenal man sidelined for several months.

"Some people tried to stir up trouble to distract attention from the performance," Chiellini said after the friendly match against Sweden (1-0 win) on Wednesday night. "I have never gone into a tackle to hurt anyone in my entire life and Van Persie said the same thing.

"If you look at the footage it's clear it was not a nasty challenge. I was the first to be upset about Van Persie and hope he'll recover as soon as possible. I was actually surprised he was injured from that situation," the Juventus defender said.

Chiellini scored the winner against Sweden. It was his second goal in 27 internationals for Italy.

Bayern's moment of truth

Bavaria based Bundesliga giants FC Bayern Munich host league leaders Bayer Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena on Sunday, in what is being touted as the "game of the season" by their general manager Uli Hoeness.

Bayern, eighth in the league, will have to go all guns blazing knowing that only a win could redeem their faltering start to the season.

Meanwhile, their opponents are rolling on at full throttle as they remain undefeated in the league, being three points clear at the top, six points ahead of Bayern and have the best defensive record - having conceded only eight goals in 12 rounds.

Even if the FCB manage to win on Sunday, it would only reduce the arrears at the top to just three points and a possible second position in the table if results elsewhere go their way.

And stand-in goalkeeper Hans-Jorg Butt admits his side cannot afford to slip up again.

"There can be no excuses - Leverkusen is a direct rival, we are playing at home and we have got to win," the former Leverkusen player told his club's website.

Leverkusen have not managed to get the better of Bayern since 1989 and Butt knows exactly how that feels as he was in their goal for six years, but he claims to have no more real ties with his former club.

"I think back to my time with Leverkusen fondly, but Sunday's game is no longer all that important for me," he added.

"There are no longer many players there from my time."

However, Leverkusen's new coach Jupp Heynckes feels his team can secure all three points as they travel to Munich in confident mood.

"Why shouldn't we win in Munich?" he asked.

The arrival of Henyckes and former Liverpool defender Sami Hyppia, has seen the side turn into a team who can genuinely aim for the title this season.

A win in Munich, would further consolidate the title credentials of the Leverkusen-based side who have yet to lift league title.

'Handball' ref buckled under pressure: Ireland's Brady

LONDON (AFP) - The referee who mistakenly allowed the goal that sent France to the World Cup succumbed to pressure created by FIFA, Ireland's assistant manager Liam Brady claimed on Thursday.

As the recriminations over Thierry Henry's handball in the build up to the crucial goal intensified, Brady said world football's governing body had made clear its desire for France to reach the finals by belatedly deciding to seed the draw for the play-offs.

That ensured that France could not be drawn against either Russia or Portugal and, according to Brady, created an atmosphere that ultimately influenced Swedish referee Martin Hansson's handling of Wednesday's play-off second leg in Paris.

Speaking to BBC Radio, Brady said: "I wouldn't blame Thierry Henry for what went on. I would maybe look at what happened three months before and the fact that these seedings for the play-offs were made to favour the bigger teams. I would ask why that went on.

"The pressure on referees is enormous then. The pressure is too much to bear and I thought the referee up until then had refereed the match in fine fashion, but he succumbed under pressure."

Brady added: "I asked Thierry Henry after the game and he said 'I handled it but I didn't mean it.' When you look at the film I think he kept the ball in play and he meant it. I wouldn't go down the road of (calling it) cheating, the players seek every advantage they can.

"But I would ask FIFA, 'Do we want to play the match again?' We would go to Paris and play again. I don't think it would come to that but we would be willing to go to Paris, on their home ground, and have a fair winner."

Henry admitted after the match that the ball had struck his hand before he crossed for William Gallas to head home an extra-time goal which levelled the score at 1-1 on the night and sent France to South Africa 2-1 on aggregate.

Uzbeks qualify for Asian Cup as Thailand crash

SINGAPORE (AFP) - Uzbekistan booked their place at the 2011 Asian Cup finals on Wednesday by beating Malaysia 3-1, while Japan crushed Hong Kong 4-0 to strengthen their chances of going through.

But Bryan Robson's Thailand failed to capitalise on their 3-1 win over Singapore on Saturday, crashing to the same side 1-0 in Bangkok.

Anvar Gafurov and Bakhodir Nasimov scored either side of half-time for the Uzbeks before Baddrol Bakhtiar pulled a goal back for Malaysia with 20 minutes remaining.

But captain Timur Kapadze restored the advantage three minutes later as Uzbekistan recorded a third consecutive win to extinguish any hope an under-strength Malaysia had of reaching the finals in Qatar.

Uzbekistan join the host nation, AFC Challenge Cup winners India and the top three at the 2007 finals -- South Korea, Iraq, Saudi Arabia -- in the showpiece event.

"We have qualified for the Asian Cup but now we will have to make sure that we complete the fixtures on a winning note," said coach Mirdjalal Kasimov, who was not entirely happy.

"It was not a performance which was deserving of praise," he added.

Syria's 0-0 draw at home to Vietnam in Aleppo put them on the verge of making the finals. They now have 10 points in Group D and only a major upset will prevent them progressing.

China are favourites to join them, and they play Lebanon in Beijing on Sunday.

Asian powerhouse Japan remain firmly on course after they comfortably overcame a spirited Hong Kong.

A trademark left-footed free-kick from Espanyol's midfield schemer Shunsuke Nakamura was the highlight of an easy win for the Blue Samurai against the whipping boys of group A at a half-full Hong Kong Stadium.

Japan broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion, Makoto Hasebe scoring with a cracker after 32 minutes from outside the box.

On 74 minutes the away side went two goals up, substitute Hisato Sato heading home unmarked. Nakamura grabbed the third before a fourth from the spot in injury time from Shinji Okazaki.

In Bangkok, a 37th minute strike by Aleksander Duric was enough to give Singapore an upset victory over Thailand as the Lions bounced back in style to keep their campaign alive.

The win saw them leapfrog their Southeast Asian neighbour to second in Group E, a point behind Iran who have played a game less.

Kuwait, meanwhile, ground out a 1-1 draw with Indonesia in Jakarta to put them level on seven points with Australia in Group B. Oman have four points and Indonesia three.

Later, Bahrain will look to bounce back from their disappointment at missing out on the World Cup when they take on Yemen at home.

Milan Macala's side were devastated after their 1-0 loss to New Zealand in the Asia-Oceania World Cup play-off on Saturday which deprived them of a place in South Africa.

Bahrain though are well-placed to make the Asian Cup, with maximum points from two games so far.

Henry handball ends Irish World Cup hopes

PARIS (AFP) - A "saddened" Giovanni Trapattoni hit out at match officials but refused to blame Thierry Henry for the handball which helped France controversially dump the Republic of Ireland out of World Cup qualifying here on Wednesday.

Trapattoni's Irish squad had forced the second leg of their playoff to extra time at the Stade de France after Robbie Keane's 32nd minute opener levelled the tie after France's 1-0 win in Dublin last Saturday.

But despite an overall dominant display by the visitors their hopes were crushed when defender William Gallas scored from close range in the eighth minute of the first extra-time period to level the scores and send France on their way to South Africa.

The decisive pass had come from Henry, who had blatantly handled the ball a fraction of a second earlier to the right of Shay Given's goal as the Irish fought to clear the ball.

Immediate Irish protests were waved away by Swedish referee Martin Hansson, and after the match a relieved France coach Raymond Domenech would not get drawn on the issue.

Domenech's "congratulations" to the spirited Irish team rung hollow as he said: "I haven't had the benefit of seeing the replay, all I know is the referee gave the goal and we have qualified."

Trapattoni directed his ire not at Henry but at the officials who he believes had the power to decide whether the goal was valid or not.

"I'm not only disappointed, I'm also saddened," said Trapattoni, who after the second period of extra time went on to the park to talk to the referee.

"I told him that I'd known many Swedish players and I know the Swedish people, but that it's possible you've made a great mistake.

"I think he should have at least consulted with the linesman.

"I don't want to say it's Henry's fault. It's all about the notion of fair play.

"But I'm sure if the referee had asked, Henry would have admitted it was a handball."

Later, Henry did admit the handball mistake.

"Yes, I handled the ball but I'm not the referee," said Henry.

It was a sad end to a promising night for the Irish, who to ran the 1998 World Cup winners over the park and had at least two good chances after Keane's opener to score the second goal that would have virtually secured their qualification.

In the end, the first period of extra time -- and an opportunity to turn their own fortunes around -- ended Irish hopes of making it back to football's biggest stage since their second round showing at the 2002 World Cup.

Domenech paid tribute to the visitors from the Emerald Isle but was unrepentant for Henry's blatant handball or the referee's mistake.

"I want to pay tribute to the Irish team and their fans, what they did over two matches - they gave us a lot of problems and I want to congratulate them," added the Frenchman.

"I'm disappointed for them and their public. But bravo to them.

"Ireland really stepped up and forced us into a situation, and that meant we had to play them at their own game.

"I knew what Ireland were capable of. I knew that trailing by a goal they would come at us with everything they had. And that's just what they did."

When pressed, Domenech swerved deflty around the handball issue.

"Sometimes things that go around come around in football. Against Serbia (earlier in qualifying) we had our goalkeeper red carded for nothing and we were unlucky but didn't go making a big meal of it.

"Football's like that.

"We've qualified because we've achieved our objective. I'm happy to have qualified, the past two months we've been hanging on, been criticised and gone through a lot of tough times. Now, we've made it.

"My job is to qualify the France team, they've done the job on the pitch, they worked hard, they suffered and I just want to savour that if I can."

Uruguay qualify for World Cup

MONTEVIDEO (AFP) - Uruguay finished the job, qualifying for the 2010 World Cup with a 1-1 draw against Costa Rica.

The South American side had gained the upper hand in their play-off against North and Central America's Costa Rica with a 1-0 victory at San Jose on Saturday and duly wrapped up the 32nd and final spot in the 2010 finals in South Africa.

Their victory on a 2-1 aggregate sends the Uruguayans back to the World Cup finals for the first time since 2002 - where they will seek to add to the titles they won in 1930 and 1950.

Substitute Sebastian Abreu came on for Uruguay in the 65th minute and immediately made his presence felt.

The Greece-based striker headed home a goal off a ball from Andres Scotti in the 70th minute to open the scoring.

Costa Rica responded just four minutes later as Walter Centeno scored.

The crowd of 18,000 at Estadio Centenario had an agonizing wait through seven minutes of stoppage time, after the match was halted for five minutes when Costa Rica substitutes got embroiled in a sideline scuffle with some television reporters with 10 minutes remaining.

When play had resumed, Costa Rica's Alvaro Saborio threatened in the penalty area, but his shot was wide of Fernando Muslera's goal and time ran out for the Central Americans.

Costa Rica miss out on the finals for the first time since 1998 - a tough end to a campaign that saw them lead the final round of qualifying for North and Central America and Caribbean region earlier this year.

In October, America's injury time goal for a 2-2 draw with Costa Rica in the final match denied them a direct entry berth, leaving them fourth in CONCACAF and headed to the play-off against South American fifth placed finishers Uruguay.

For Uruguay it was a third straight qualifying play-off. They qualified to Korea-Japan in 2002 by beating Australia, the same opponents who beat them for a 2006 berth.

MLS Cup contenders Galaxy cancel German tour

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - The Los Angeles Galaxy cancelled their planned post-season German tour, citing organizational hitches and a need to focus on their upcoming Major League Soccer championship clash with Real Salt Lake.

Galaxy were scheduled to face FC Kaiserslautern on Thursday, November 26, and a second opponent the following Tuesday in Germany.

"We are very disappointed to announce the cancellation of our 2009 Postseason Tour due to a lack of communication and performance by the tour's organizer and promoter IMC Group, Incorporated," Galaxy President of Business Operations Tom Payne said in a statement released Wednesday night.

"Unfortunately, IMC Group has not performed their obligations of the agreement thus far, nor do we have faith that they will be able to do so in the future.

"With MLS Cup 2009 this weekend in Seattle, we feel that it is important to make this decision now and remove the potential distractions to our team, rather than continue to hold out hope that the tour will indeed take place."

A Galaxy side featuring England midfielder David Beckham and US standout Landon Donovan captured MLS's Western Conference title last Friday to book their spot in the title game against Eastern Conference champions Salt Lake, to be played Sunday in Seattle.

Eduardo signs new Arsenal deal

LONDON (AFP) - Croatia striker Eduardo has signed a new "long-term" contract with Arsenal after making a successful comeback from a horrific injury which sidelined him for almost a year, the club announced.

The Brazilian-born forward broke his leg and dislocated his ankle in February 2008 but has this year re-established himself as a first-team regular at the Emirates.

Arsenal did not disclose the length of the deal, which was welcomed by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.

"Eduardo is a special player with huge talent and natural goalscoring ability, and we're all so happy that he has committed his future to Arsenal Football Club," Wenger said.

"We have also seen in his comeback from injury, Eduardo is a human being full of courage, bravery and commitment.

"His full recovery from this injury is a testament to Eduardo's character. We all look forward to enjoying Eduardo's performances in an Arsenal shirt for a long time to come."

Eduardo, who will be heavily relied upon by Wenger in the coming weeks with Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner sidelined by injury, said he feels fitter than ever.

"I'm very happy and I hope to stay at Arsenal for as long as I can," the 26-year-old said.

"This period is good for me now. I feel strong in my body and I feel ready to play 90 minutes every three days if it's needed.

"I went to Croatia last week and everybody was telling me Arsenal play the best football in Europe at the moment. I agree with that.

"We feel we are strong now this season and we're all going to give everything to win trophies."

Who has qualified for South Africa 2010?

The Greeks celebrate by hoisting coach Otto Rehhagel aloft Find out who will be playing alongside hosts South Africa at the 2010 World Cup with BBC Sport's definitive guide to who has qualified and when they wrapped up their place at the finals... Full list of qualified teams FRANCE (18 November, 2009) Perhaps the most controversial qualification. Having finished a point behind Serbia in Group Seven the French, led by the consistently infuriating Raymond Domenech, were paired with Republic of Ireland in the play-offs. A 1-0 win in Ireland was followed by a game of huge talking points in France, with the Irish going in front through Robbie Keane and taking the tie to extra-time. France won it, but with a goal from William Gallas that came from a blatant handball from Thierry Henry. France coach Raymond Domenech: "It was hard, laborious and indeed miraculous. I was sure we would make it though. We are happy, like the whole of France football. I knew we were going to make a 1-1 draw." PORTUGAL (18 November, 2009) Despite having Cristiano Ronaldo, the reigning Fifa World Player of the Year, in their ranks, Portugual made hard work of qualifying. They were languishing in fourth in Group One at one stage before a late rally earned them second and a play-off berth. Without the injured Ronaldo they secured a place in South Africa thanks to two hard-fought 1-0 victories over Bosnia-Hercegovina. Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz: "Bosnia are a good team but Portugal are too strong for them because we have an explosive combination of confidence, desire and determination. I must congratulate my team for a spirited performance, while Bosnia will have gained respect after getting this far and proving to be stiff opponents." SLOVENIA (18 November, 2009) Matjaz Kek's side reached their second World Cup finals thanks to a surprise play-off defeat of much-fancied Russia, having finished second in Group Three behind Slovakia. A late reply left them trailing 2-1 after the first leg in Moscow and Zlatko Dedic's goal in Maribor proved enough to earn a victory on the away goals rule. Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek: "They are men of merit for continuing the Slovenian football fairytale. They have become immortal. We were better from the first minute of the game and we earned the right to go to South Africa." GREECE (18 November, 2009) Euro 2004 champions Greece qualified for their first World Cup since 1994 thanks to veteran German coach Otto Rehhagel, who masterminded their success in Portugal. Having finished second in Group Two behind Switzerland they met Ukraine in a two-legged play-off and won 1-0 in Donetsk after a 0-0 draw in Athens, with Dimitrios Salpigidis getting the winner. Greece coach Otto Rehhagel: "I'm proud of my players. They put all of their heart and soul into today's match. It was really tough to contain Ukraine's attacks throughout the match but we did our best and luckily we managed to do it and achieve the desired result." ALGERIA (18 November, 2009) They did it the hard way, the Algerians, after being forced to go to a one-off play by Egypt when they lost 2-0 in Cairo in the final group game as the two sides finished neck-and-neck at the top of Group C. They came through the contest at a neutral venue in the Sudanese capital Khartoum thanks to defender Antar Yahia magnificent first-half volley that crashed in off the crossbar. Algeria coach Rabah Saadane: "They played with heart - they had so much heart and I think that's what made the difference. I think we will have time to prepare ourselves for the Cup in Africa now." CAMEROON (14 November, 2009) Cameroon avoided drama on the last day of qualification as their 2-0 win in Morocco rendered Gabon's result in Togo meaningless. Goals from Achille Webo and Samuel Eto'o sent the Indomitable Lions to the World Cup for the sixth time - a new African record. Cameroon were bottom of their group after two games, before Paul Le Guen took over as manager from Otto Pfister. Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen: "The key has been the talent of the players. We didn't undergo a dramatic change of personnel but I wanted to change the team dynamic. I wanted them to want to come and play for the national team and I sought to give them the best conditions possible." NIGERIA (14 November, 2009) Nigeria qualified in dramatic fashion with a 3-2 win against Kenya in Nairobi. The Super Eagles had to win to have any chance of denying Tunisia. They fought back from 1-0 down to lead 2-1, but conceded a 79th-minute equaliser, only for Obafemi Martins to seal an emotional win. Nigeria coach Amodu Shaibu: "This is a typical Nigerian side which you can never rule out when it is faced with adversity. It's fantastic. Now we have to go back home and map out the preparations." NEW ZEALAND (14 November, 2009) The Kiwis sealed a berth at only their second World Cup finals with a 1-0 aggregate play-off victory over Bahrain, winning the second game in Wellington in front of a New Zealand record football crowd of 35,100 thanks to Rory Fallon's header just before half-time. New Zealand coach Rickie Herbert: "We've all worked hard, we all backed the system that we truly believe was good enough to win it and they've gone and done it. Tonight is about these boys, about a group who believed and have never stopped believing, and their dream continues which is fantastic." HONDURAS (14 October, 2009) A 1-0 victory over El Salvador and a crucial last-minute goal by the United States against Costa Rica clinched Honduras' place in South Africa next year. It is only the second time they have qualified for the finals, the other being in 1982 - and it has all happened while Honduras has been in turmoil following a military coup in June. Honduras coach Reinaldo Rueda: "Today it's the Honduras fans' and their team's turn to celebrate, thanks to the work of many years. Now we have months of work, months of matches and let's hope this victory works out for the good of all." ARGENTINA (14 October, 2009) After a troubled qualifying campaign, Diego Maradona's side came good in their crunch match in Uruguay, with Mario Bolatti's late goal securing the 1-0 win which secured their place at South Africa. Argentina had only failed to qualify for a World Cup once in their history - in 1970 - but their win secured the fourth and final qualifying spot in the South America group. Argentina coach Diego Maradona: "I would like to thank the team for giving me the privilege to lead Argentina to World Cup. Thank you to the Argentine people who had faith. This is for those who did not believe in the national team and treated me like dirt - they will now have to accept this." SLOVAKIA (14 October, 2009) Slovakia qualified for their first World Cup finals after beating Poland 1-0 to finish top of Group Three thanks to a third-minute own goal by Seweryn Gancarczyk and some key saves from Jan Mucha. Slovakia coach Vladimir Weiss: "We played well in these qualifiers, we were lucky today but we've also put a lot of heart into the game. People deserved this and I'm glad that we made Slovaks happy." SWITZERLAND (14 October, 2009) Switzerland got the point they needed to qualify in their final match against Israel but not without a struggle - Ottmar Hitzfeld's side were hanging on even after their hosts had Avihay Yadin sent off after 59 minutes. The Swiss went on an eight-match unbeaten run after a surprise defeat by Luxembourg to reach the finals. Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld: "The goal was to qualify and we made it - the goal is achieved. Compliments to the whole team and to each and every player. It's another success for me and a dream being fulfilled, it's a present that Switzerland has given me." UNITED STATES (11 October, 2009) The US had to work hard to seal qualification with a 3-2 win over Honduras, but Bob Bradley's side did enjoy the luxury of having a game to spare. United States coach Bob Bradley: "We're very proud. We understand the responsibility we have every time we step on the field for our fans, for our country." MEXICO (11 October, 2009) Mexico made sure of their 14th appearance at the finals with a game to spare after a comprehensive 4-1 victory over El Salvador - despite a swarm of bees in the goalmouth halting play for 10 minutes. Javier Aguirre's side won six of their nine games to seize the initiative in the group after the job had been started under previous coach Sven-Goran Eriksson. Mexico captain Rafa Marquez: "This is a great team and Javier Aguirre is a great coach. We worked hard and got the job done, the credit goes to all to my teammates and to the coach. They are all amazing." CHILE (11 October, 2009) Chile reached South Africa courtesy of a 4-2 victory over Colombia, and they were indebted to substitute Jorge Valdivia who scored one goal and created the other three. It is Chile's first appearance at the World Cup finals since 1998. Chile captain Claudio Bravo: "It was our mission to change the face of Chilean football. It was an exceptional campaign, based on discipline, consistency, confidence and belief. But this isn't the summit, we can achieve great things and will work to do so." ITALY (10 October, 2009) Italy sealed the chance to defend their world title in South Africa in dramatic fashion, equalising in the last minute in Ireland to snatch a 2-2 draw and top spot in Group Eight. Mauro Camoranesi cancelled out Glenn Whelan's opener for Ireland, but Sean St Ledger's goal looked to be taking the group to the final round of matches until Alberto Gilardino's decisive late goal. Italy striker Alberto Gilardino: "The game was tight until the end. And qualifying for the World Cup, this is even more beautiful. We deserved the draw. When they scored to make it 2-1, we were not attentive. Thank goodness we equalised." SERBIA (10 October, 2009) 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. Serbia coach Radomir Antic: "I'm extremely happy, as we sealed a World Cup spot in style. If we continue like this in South Africa, we will be a power to reckon with at the World Cup." DENMARK (10 October, 2009) 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 (10 October, 2009) 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." IVORY COAST (10 October, 2009) 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. Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba: "I am very happy indeed because Ivory Coast is going to the World Cup for the second time." PARAGUAY (9 September, 2009) Paraguay secured their place at a fourth-straight World Cup finals with two games to spare after a 1-0 win over Argentina. Nelson Valdez's goal earned his side victory over Diego Maradona's struggling outfit in the South American qualifying group as Paraguay joined Brazil in qualifying for South Africa in 2010. Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino: "In the national team, you work for two possibilities - you can work for having a job or for making history. I want to work for the second option." SPAIN (9 September, 2009) Spain matched the feats of England and Netherlands, qualifying for the 2010 World Cup with two qualifying group matches to spare thanks to a workmanlike 3-0 defeat of Estonia in Merida. Cesc Fabregas, Santi Cazorla and Juan Mata got the goals to make it eight straight wins for the European champions, with Bosnia-Herzegovina's 1-1 draw with Turkey ensuring their smooth progress to the finals for the ninth straight time. Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas: "This goal is very important for me, especially for the confidence it gives me. It's a pleasure to play with these players and in front of these fans. Eight wins out of eight, not many countries can say that." ENGLAND (9 September, 2009) England swept into the finals with a 5-1 rout of Croatia, their eighth victory in eight Group Six matches, as Fabio Capello's side ensured their progress to the finals with two matches to spare. Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard each bagged a brace, with Wayne Rooney adding a fifth, as the Wembley crowd were treated to a superb home win that went some way to making up for Croatia stopping England from qualifying for Euro 2008 under Steve McLaren. England captain John Terry: "When we play like that, pressing and working the ball, we're a difficult opposition for any side. Don't forget, it's taken a year for us to get this good, and we've got a way to go to get to where we ultimately want to be. But we're on track." GHANA (6 September, 2009) Ghana defeated Sudan 2-0 in Accra to become the first African side to reach the 2010 World Cup in South Africa from the qualifiers. Inter Milan's Sulley Muntari and Chelsea's Michael Essien scored the goals in each half to give Ghana an unassailable lead at the top of qualifying Group D. Ghana midfielder Michael Essien: "The people of Ghana wanted us to win and we did not let them down. What a fantastic feeling to be the first African country to qualify for the first World Cup to be staged in Africa." BRAZIL (6 September, 2009) Brazil are the only team to have appeared in every World Cup finals and they made sure that record would continue in the best possible fashion, beating their bitter rivals Argentina 3-1 on their home turf. Two goals from striker Luis Fabiano and another from defender Luisao was enough as they inflicted only the second home defeat in World Cup qualifiers on Diego Maradona's struggling side. Brazil coach Dunga: "We're happy. We beat a great team with great champions. Lionel Messi might be the best player in the world. We beat Argentina, which had not lost a match at home in qualifying." NORTH KOREA (17 June, 2009) Iran's failure to defeat South Korea in Seoul earlier in the day meant North Korea only needed to draw in their final group match against Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. They did exactly that, with a 0-0 result, putting them into their first World Cup finals since 1966. Back then, they were memorably beaten 5-3 in the quarter-finals by Portugal - despite taking a 3-0 lead. North Korea coach Kim Jong-Hun: "It was so hot in Saudi Arabia and as you know the journey from Korea was long, but our belief in the ability of the players snatched the ticket to South Africa." THE NETHERLANDS (6 June, 2009) The Dutch won 2-1 away to Iceland to become the first European side to qualify for next summer's tournament. Goals from Nigel de Jong and Mark van Bommel put Bert van Marwijk's team in the driving seat before Kristjan Orn Sigurdsson pulled a goal back. Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk: "My goal was to qualify for the finals so now we have a year to prepare. Winning six straight World Cup qualifiers deserves a compliment." SOUTH KOREA (6 June, 2009) The South Koreans secured a seventh successive World Cup finals place thanks to a 2-0 victory over United Arab Emirates in Dubai. Park Chu-young and Ki Sung-yueng grabbed the goals as Huh Jung-Moo's outfit strolled to a place in Africa's first World Cup. South Korea coach Huh Jung-Moo: "I'm really happy that we made it. We are all satisfied with a performance that saw us ensure a place in South Africa. The players were excellent throughout the qualifiers, they did a great job." AUSTRALIA (6 June, 2009) The Socceroos eased into the World Cup without so much as even conceding a goal in the six matches it took them to qualify. A 0-0 draw against Qatar in Doha wrapped things up for Pim Verbeek's team after they picked up 14 points in Group A of the final Asian qualifying phase. Australia coach Pim Verbeek: "The World Cup is a great, great event and I'm already looking forward to going there. We have to go and do it better than last time." JAPAN (6 June, 2009) Takeshi Okada's Japan became the first team to book their place after earning a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Uzbekistan in Tashkent. Shunji Okazaki grabbed the only goal of the game after nine minutes to book a fourth successive finals berth. Japan coach Takeshi Okada: "We played very well. I think we should continue playing this style in the remaining matches." FULL LIST OF TEAMS AT 2010 WORLD CUP HOSTS: South Africa AFRICA QUALIFYING: Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria ASIA QUALIFYING: Australia, Japan, North Korea, South Korea EUROPE QUALIFYING: Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland SOUTH AMERICA QUALIFYING: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay NORTH, CENTRAL AMERICA AND QUALIFYING: Honduras, Mexico, United States ASIA/OCEANIA PLAY-OFF New Zealand Full World Cup qualifying tables on Fifa.com (The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites) Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon What are these? E-mail this to a friend Printable version Print Sponsor Advertisement

Advertisement see also World Cup 2010 map 11 Jun 09 | Football Portugal secure spot at World Cup 18 Nov 09 | Internationals Yahia sends Algeria to World Cup 18 Nov 09 | African Cameroon qualify for 2010 14 Nov 09 | African Nigeria qualify for the World Cup 14 Nov 09 | African New Zealand 1-0 Bahrain 14 Nov 09 | Internationals Win seals Argentina qualification 15 Oct 09 | Internationals Swiss & Slovakia make 2010 finals 14 Oct 09 | Internationals US & Mexico qualify for World Cup 11 Oct 09 | Internationals World Cup qualifiers round-up 11 Oct 09 | African Italy seal World Cup finals berth 10 Oct 09 | Internationals England 5-1 Croatia 09 Sep 09 | Internationals Spain qualify for 2010 World Cup 09 Sep 09 | Internationals Ghana qualify for 2010 World Cup 06 Sep 09 | African Brazil beat Argentina to qualify 06 Sep 09 | Internationals North Korea qualify for World Cup 17 Jun 09 | Internationals Netherlands seal World Cup place 06 Jun 09 | Internationals related bbc links: Football on the BBC Your say - 606 International football related internet links: Uefa Fifa The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites

Ireland leave out Reid and Finnan

Giovanni Trapattoni has left Steven Reid and Steve Finnan out of the Republic of Ireland squad for the World Cup play-off against France.

Blackburn midfielder Reid and Portsmouth defender Finnan have recovered from recent injuries but failed to make the 25-man squad.

Sunderland's Andy Reid and Coventry's Clinton Morrison are also omitted.

The first leg of the play-off is at Dublin's Croke Park on 14 November and the second in Paris on 18 November.

"This team now is balanced. It is not the time to change the team now. We have a mentality," said Trapattoni.

The Italian added: "We performed strongly throughout the qualifying group stages.

"We were undefeated in all 10 games and this is a reflection of how we have played and also the mental strength of this team."

Despite the strength of the opposition Trapattoni believes his Republic squad showed enough during the group stage of the qualifying campaign, where they finished second behind Italy in European Group Eight.

Trapattoni added: "France have a strong squad but we go into this play-off knowing that we are only 180 minutes away from qualifying for the World Cup."

The Republic manager recently drew an angry response from Reid's club boss Sam Allardyce for suggesting the midfielder might not completely recover from a knee injury.

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Republic of Ireland squad: Given (Man City), Westwood (Coventry), Murphy (Scunthorpe), O'Shea (Man Utd), Dunne (Villa), Kelly (Fulham), Kilbane (Hull), Nolan (Preston), St Ledger (Middlesbrough), McShane (Hull), O'Dea (Reading), McGeady (Celtic), Duff (Fulham), Gibson (Man Utd), Whelan (Stoke), Andrews (Blackburn), Miller (Hibernian), Hunt (Hull), Keogh (Wolves), Lawrence (Stoke), Doyle (Wolves), Keane (Tottenham), Long (Reading), Best (Coventry), Stokes (Hibernian).

Knee injury ends season for Reid

Blackburn's injury-plagued midfielder Steven Reid will miss the rest of the season with a knee problem.

The Republic of Ireland international requires surgery and is expected to be out for six or seven months.

Rovers manager Paul Ince told BBC Radio Lancashire: "The doctor has tried everything to get it right.

"It's a massive blow because he's an integral part of my side. He's got great experience and I was looking to play him at the weekend."

Reid, 27, has missed Blackburn's last four games and was forced to sit out his country's victorious World Cup qualifier against Cyprus on Wednesday.

He missed the 2006-07 season with a stress fracture of the back and then a cruciate knee ligament injury.

Ince said: "I'm gutted for Reidy. He is a great lad and he always wants to give his all for the club.

"He's disappointed, we're all disappointed but hopefully he'll get the operation done and come back with flying colours," he added

Reid will fly to Colorado, USA, early next month to have the extent of the injury assessed by surgeon Dr Richard Steadman.

With David Dunn sidelined for up to four months with an Achilles injury, Rovers manager Paul Ince's central midfield options are limited for Saturday's Premier League trip to Bolton.

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on Steven Reid's knee injury

Roque Santa Cruz is also doubtful with a hamstring injury but Benni McCarthy, Vince Grella and goalkeeper Paul Robinson are all fit.

Blackburn boss slams Trapattoni

Reid has played just twice under Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has added his critcism of Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni over Steven Reid's international future.

Trapattoni had stated that Reid may never fully recover from a knee injury, but Allardyce believes those comments are totally unjustified.

"It's completely out of order," the Rovers boss told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"What he [Trapattoni] is talking about is completely untrue and it's something he should apologise for."

Reid admitted he was disappointed by Trapattoni's assertion and is keen to clear up any misunderstanding.

"I feel there's a few issues which need to be put right," said the midfielder.

"I missed the last couple of squads with tendonitis in the Achilles and a small hamstring injury, but my knee has been good for the last couple of months.

"I've played a few games behind closed doors as well as the two Carling Cup games and the knee came through fine.

"I've said before how much I've enjoyed playing under Mr Trapattoni and the three games I played under him were probably my best.

"He showed a lot of confidence in me in centre midfield and I felt that I really started to make that position my own."

The 28-year-old was sidelined for the whole of the 2008-09 season with a knee injury.

But, after returning to action in the early weeks of this season, he is hopeful of getting regular football again for club and country in the near future.

"Steven's had a long haul," added Allardyce. "[Knee specialist] Dr Richard Steadman is trying to resurrect his career to secure a new contract for Steven.

"He wants to go and play for his country as he's done many times and he's given his all every time he's been there.

"There's not a more honest player you could meet than Steven, and to be dealt that sort of blow at this time he's very disappointed, to say the least."

Brady sets sights on France upset

Republic of Ireland manager Giovani Trapattoni gets his point across to the players in training

Liam Brady is confident the time has come for the Republic of Ireland to end their long wait for victory over one of European football's top guns.

A 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Holland in 2001 represented their last major scalp but now France await in a two-leg World Cup play-off.

"I think it's very possible, to go to Paris with a win under our belts," said Republic assistant boss Brady.

"If we can nearly beat a team like Italy, we can do the same to France."

Giovanni Trapattoni's men came within seconds of a win over reigning world champions Italy last month but Brady believes they can go one better to dump France out of the play-offs and book their trip to South Africa next summer.

Race on for Republic tickets

"I know it's maybe been a long time coming to defeat one of the top nations but the Italian game has given us great confidence and also taught us a couple of lessons that we need to take into this game," added Brady.

"We conceded a goal against Italy from a set-piece, which we weren't happy with, and then we didn't hang on to our lead when we took it with a few minutes to go.

"We have learned big lessons from that game."

The Republic assistant insists there will be no fear in the Irish camp, despite the plethora of big names in the French camp.

"We are not worried about them at all although we respect them," he said.

"They have some choices to make on which players to go with up front but we can go on about France all day - it's about what we do, and our players have a great belief in what we are doing.

"There is an understanding of what game we have to play against the French and that's what concerns me most of all.

606: DEBATE Soon the talking must stop and when it does, how do you see the match panning out? BBC Sport's David Ornstein

"We stick to that and we concentrate on that.

"There's a really good team spirit and our players know what their jobs are - each and every one of them, and there's a belief there that, if we stick to our game plan, we can qualify for the World Cup.

"Any advantage at all going to Paris would be very, very welcome and although the pressure is on them more so than us, we are both playing for a place in the World Cup finals, so it's enormous.

"But if we were to carry a lead to Paris, the pressure would pile on them."

Ireland 0-1 France

Nicolas Anelka celebrates his goal with team-mate Eric Abidal at Croke Park The Republic of Ireland face an uphill task to make the World Cup finals after Nicolas Anelka's goal helped France win the first leg of their play-off. Liam Lawrence went close for the Irish while France's Andre-Pierre Gignac had an effort cancelled out for offside. However, the French dominated the second half as the Irish tired. Anelka broke the deadlock with his 72nd-minute effort which deflected off Sean St Ledger while French keeper Hugo Lloris denied Glenn Whelan late on. Damien Duff's passionate and eyes-closed singing of the Irish anthem summed up the atmosphere of the occasion as the match started before over 74,000 spectators at Croke Park. The Fulham winger was immediately into the action with a crunching but legal tackle on Bacary Sagna, reminiscent of Roy Keane's early marker on Marc Overmars in the Republic's epic win over the Netherlands eight years ago. 606: DEBATE If France score again that's game, set and match for us 2379liverpoolred However, the early exchanges took on a pattern with the French, with Anelka prominent, content to probe with their slow build-up and the Irish attempting to break quickly when possession did come their way. The Republic did have a scare in the 12th minute when Gignac had the ball in the net after indecision by Richard Dunne but the effort was correctly ruled out because of offside. After a scrappy 10 minutes, the Irish had another nervous moment when a Whelan mistake let in Yoann Gourcuff but the shot from 20 yards was straight at Given. However, the Irish were inches away from taking the lead against the run of play on 27 minutes. Keane's close-range effort, after a Shay Given free-kick, was smothered by Hugo Lloris and Lawrence's follow-up was somehow deflected wide by Patrice Evra when the Stoke man seemed certain to score. Richard Dunne outjumps Andre-Pierre Gignac in the play-off first leg Gignac fired wide a minute later at the other end but the Irish were gaining in confidence and Keith Andrews went close with a curling effort from the edge of the box as the French defence stood off. The Republic had an escape six minutes before the break as Henry fired a snapshot wide after Andrews had lost possession on the edge of his own penalty area. But Giovanni Trapattoni's World Cup masterplan remained intact at the break as the sides went in 0-0. There were chances at both ends in the 10 minutes after half time as the game opened up. Dunne directed a free header after a Duff corner to the unmarked John O'Shea but the Manchester United defender skied his effort before the French earned a relieving free-kick. At the other end, Gourcuff strode into a threatening position before scuffing his shot into Given's arms and Lassana Diarra then flashed a shot inches wide with the Irish keeper struggling. French passing and movement was becoming more evident as the Irish started to noticeably labour for the first time in the contest. The visitors had a strong penalty shout in the 68th minute as Evra felt that he had been tripped by Given's outstretched hand after a Dunne mistake. But France were starting to look ominous and it was little surprise that they took the lead on 72 minutes with Anelka's shot deflecting off St Ledger and past Given. A sloppy backpass by Kevin Kilbane nearly gifted the French a second goal five minutes later but Gignac blasted woefully wide with the goal gaping. Carelessness in the French defence gave the Irish a late chance to equalise, but Lloris spread himself to deny Whelan as the Republic's hopes of qualification were left hanging by a thread going into Wednesday's second leg in Paris. Republic of Ireland: Given, O'Shea, St. Ledger, Dunne, Kilbane, Lawrence (McGeady 76), Whelan, Andrews, Duff (Hunt 80), Doyle (Best 70), Keane. Subs Not Used: Joe Murphy, McShane, Kelly, Gibson. France: Lloris, Sagna, Gallas, Abidal, Evra, Lassana Diarra, Alou Diarra, Gourcuff, Anelka, Gignac (Malouda 90), Henry. Subs Not Used: Mandanda, Escude, Govou, Benzema, Sissoko, Squillaci.