Final Six World Cup Berths Earned

The final six World Cup 2010 berths were handed out yesterday around the world.  The last four spots from Europe were decided in dramatic fashion as the second leg of the playoffs were played.  Greece used a stifling defense to grab a 1-0 win over Andriy Shevchenko and Ukraine to advance to their 2nd World Cup ever.  Meanwhile, Portugal took care of Bosnia winning both legs of the playoff 1-0 despite missing an injured Cristiano Ronaldo.  Slovenia and Russia ended their playoff tied 2-2 but Slovenia advanced on away goals. 

The most dramatic match of the day pitted a resolute Ireland squad against France in Paris.  France had won last week in Ireland putting all the pressure on the Irish who had to score.  A Robbie Keane first half goal tied the aggregate and the match went to extra time to break the tie and decide the World Cup berth.  An obvious Thierry Henry handball led to the deciding goal despite Irish protests and France will be playing in South Africa next summer.

Uruguay wrapped up their playoff with Costa Rica winning on 2-1 aggregate and Algeria won a physical matchup 1-0 over Egpyt.  Thus the 32 teams for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa are all set:
Europe -
Denmark, Switzerland, Slovakia, Germany, Spain, England, Serbia, Italy, Holland, Portugal, Greece, Slovenia, France
South America -
Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Argentina, Urugauy
CONCACAF -
USA, Mexico, Honduras
Africa -
Cameroon, Nigeria, Algeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast
Asia -
Australia, Japan, South Korea, North Korea, New Zealand, Bahrain