Will the REAL MLS champs please stand up?

I wouldn't say it was an upset that shocked the world, because frankly, the world wasn't watching. In fact, it is unlikely that many American sports fans had their attention on the MLS finals last night. Undoubtedly, it was their loss.

Not a big fan of the MLS myself, it was impossible to keep my eyes off the game. A game that featured the Major League Soccer MVP, Landon Donovan, and one of the most famous faces in the entire world in David Beckham, became much more than just that. A hectic pace, with displays of soccer beauty in all parts of the field, it was no wonder the game had to be decided with penalty kicks. When Robbie Russell placed his PK in the corner of the net, giving Real Salt Lake(RSL) its first MLS Cup championship, a joyous celebration of soccer underdogs ensued.

Fans watching the game on TV were of course left with the images of a limping David Beckham and shocked and embarrassed Donovan, who knocked his PK over the crossbar. The Los Angeles Galaxy players stood alongside the two superstars who had failed to reclaim the MLS Cup once again.

Nick Rimando, the RSL goalie, was eventually named MVP, rewarding him for his two saves during the shootout. Josh Saunders was equally impressive in the shootout, and throughout most of the second half and all of overtime, after subbing in for the injured Donovan Ricketts. He rejected numerous attempts on net, and was able to come off his line often to intercept crosses into dangerous areas of the penalty box, hindering RSL's chances to score.

The Galaxy were able to score late in the first half. Donovan played a beautifully placed ball across the box to the back post, which was handled perfectly by Mike Mcgee into the back of the net in the 41st minute. Donovan was inefficient the remainder of the game, as he was often hounded by numerous players from the RSL side.

Though the Galaxy went into the locker room on a high note, RSL was able to overcome the late first half momentum swing, and come out with a fire of their own. Outplaying the Galaxy for the first 15 minutes of the second half, RSL's onslaught eventually paid off in the 64th minute when the Galaxy failed to clear a ball bouncing around in their own box. The nifty and scrappy Robbie Findley, and RSL's leading goal scorer, was able to get his foot on the ball, placing it neatly in the back of the net, catching then goalkeeper Donovan Rickets off guard.

Without a goal the rest of regulation, the game was forced into overtime, where the pace dramatically changed. Both teams were out of substitutions, and many of the players on both sides had extended all of their energy. The field opened up and turned into a strange fastbreak affair. However, both teams were unsuccessful in their efforts at the end of OT, as Andy Williams of RSL collapsed on the turf, seemingly unable to move. A penalty shootout would decide it for a second straight game for Real Salt Lake.

In the end, Real Salt Lake, was the deserved winner, but going out on penalty kicks leaves the Galaxy with a sour taste in their mouths. David Beckham said it best. "It's Russian Roulette. It's not a nice way to go out. It's just the way it is." Unfortunately for the Galaxy players, coaches, and fans, it was the wrong way.

Top Headlines: Monday November 23rd

After embarrassing loss to Tottenham, Wigan players refunding fans.

Thierry Henry, devastated from handball outcry, considers quitting.

Real Salt Lake capture MLS Cup, after a game for the ages.

Vicente Del Bosque gets contract extension with Spanish National Team.

USA World Cup Jerseys

Here are the rumored United States men's National team official World Cup 2010 Jerseys.

"Le Cheat:" Thierry Henry Backlash

Thierry Henry's left hand was France's magic wand on Wednesday, as he prevented the ball from going out of play and assisted on William Gallas' playoff winning goal. Everyone in the world saw Henry blatantly handle the ball, but the only person that mattered, was blind to the offense.

Referee's and players have oft been villified in sports, but it is unusual to see the backlash that not only FIFA is receiving, but Thierry Henry as well.

He is one of the best and most well-respected players in the world, and has now be relegated by many as a cheat. More specifically, "Le Cheat," in the Irish Times.

It is hard to understand how so many people can stand up and call Henry a cheater when they have surely handled the ball intentionally a number of times themselves, whether it be in a recreational men's league, or in the World Cup finals.

The Republic of Ireland is not standing for what they believe to be an unfair outcome, in a game that they utterly and truly dominated, and deserved to win. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) issued an official complaint on Thursday, calling for a replay of the game by FIFA.

Suggesting a replay was expected from the Irish. Chief Executive of the FAI made his plea saying, "This was a defining game with the whole world watching and if FIFA believe in fair play and integrity, this is their opportunity to step forward."

The frustration has gone even further in Ireland, as Irish Parliament's Justice Minister Dermot Ahern spoke to the matter. "They probably won't grant it as we are minnows in world football but we should put the powers that be in the cosy world of FIFA on the spot and demand a replay, " he said. "It's the least we owe the thousands of devastated young fans around the country. Otherwise, if that result remains, it reinforces the view that if you cheat, you win."

Let's make something clear, Thierry Henry is not a cheater. There was nothing premeditated about the handling of the ball or the goal. Henry is a professional and world class athlete that acts on instinct and reflexes. Had he decided before the game that he would handle the ball in order to score the decisive goal, we would have a different story on our hands.

It is unfortunate and sad for an Irish side that thoroughly beat the French in every aspect of the game on Wednesday.

I will agree that the referee determined the final outcome of the playoff. However, to lay blame solely on the referee and Thierry Henry is simply absurd. Ireland's failure to find the back of the net for a second, third, or even fourth time, preventing them from putting the game out of reach from the French, is what ultimately led to their demise.

FIFA, as expected, denied the complaint by the FAI. In a previous instance, in 2006, FIFA required a playoff match between Uzbekistan and Bahrain to be replayed because of a mistake by the officials. However, in this instance, a call was not missed, but a rule misinterpreted. There is no precedent for replaying a match based on a missed call, and it is unlikely that it will ever occur.

Ireland fans will never be satisfied with any explanation given by FIFA, the referee, or Thierry Henry. No sport has more of an effect on its fans than soccer. In Ireland, sadness and anger are two words too weak to describe the feelings of the fans. In a Facebook group dedicated to the hatred of Thierry Henry, someone has called for the boycott of all French goods. After all, what would France do without Ireland's support.

Maybe if Robbie Keane had used HIS hand around the net on Wednesday, Ireland wouldn't be facing what seems to be the devastation of their nation.

UPDATE: Thierry Henry believes a replay is the "fairest solution" for Ireland, who he believes deserve to be in the World Cup.

FAI and Robbie Keane calling for the French Football Federation to accept a replay despit e FIFA's ruling.

Controversial France Victory: Reactions from around the world

Los Angeles Times
San Francisco Chronicle
Belleville News Democrat
Otago News Daily
The Irish Times
L' Express in french

Ireland-France: Leg 2

France won the first leg in Ireland 1-0, putting the Irish squad in grave danger of missing the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. They now travel to Saint-Denis to see if they can rally the troops in what many would consider a minor miracle.

Starting Line-ups:

France:

Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris

Defenders: Williams Gallas, Sebastien Squillaci, Patrice Evra, Bacary Sagna

Midfielders: Alou Diarra, Yoan Gourcuff, Lassana Diarra

Strikers: Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka, Andre Pierre Gignac

Ireland:

Goalkeeper: Shay Given

Defenders: John O'Shea, Richard Dunne, Sean St. Ledger

Midfielders: Glenn Whelan, Keith Andrews, Liam Lawrence, Damien Duff, Kevin Kilbane

Strikers: Robbie Keane, Kevin Doyle


The Irish have come out of the gates strong. Maintaining a solid pressure on the French side of the field. France seems to have come out on their heels, not prepared for the pressure from Ireland.

The French side is able to run an excellent counter attack after nearly 10 minutes of pressure from the Irish. Yoann Courguff and Andre Pierre Gignac led a break that ends with a Thierry Henry shot being denied by a diving Sean St. Ledger. An excellent chance it was for the French after a rough start thus far.

In the 23rd minute the Irish are still pressuring. Liam Lawrence is able to get a ball across the box, when he should have instead put it on goal. The French are able to get out of another tight spot inside their own penalty box.

Hugo Lloris is impressive early as he denies another shot, this time by striker Robbie Keane. The Irish pressure is persistent, don't be surprised if they put one in the back of the net soon.

IRELAND SCORES!!!! Robbie Keane, the always consistent Irish striker, knocks one in the back of the net after a nice exchange on the sideline and a pretty cutback assist from Kevin Kilbane of Fulham. It is a well deserved goal for the Irish. They have more passion and intensity early in this game, while the French seem as if the win will only come naturally.

France seems to be a little shocked by the early pace and early goal by the Irish side. However, the goal has put a burst in their step. Nicolas Anelka is able to find the ball close to the net but his strike goes wide in the 39th minute for France.

The Irish are back on the offensive with a free kick just before halftime. From 30 yards away, Glenn Whelan rips one that is deflected at the last second for a corner.

It is halftime in France, and the Irish have stunned their opponents early on. The aggregate score sits at 1-1. If either side can come out fast and strong, and find the back of the net early in the second half, all the pressure will be placed on the opposing side. Prepare yourselves for a heck of a second half between two squads fighting for the same dream.

Giovanna Trappatoni will stress to his side the importance of coming out with the same intensity in the first five or ten minutes of the half. It could be the difference in the game.

John O' Shea wastes another chance for Ireland off a free kick from Liam Lawrence. O'Shea received the free kick at the back post but unfortunately struck his volley over the crossbar once again bailing out the French side who seem to be losing a grasp again early on in the second half.

In the 54th minute, Nicolas Anelka takes a rip from far out and the strike is held easily by the Irish keeper Shay Given.

Ireland's Damien Duff is denied by Lloris. Duff was able to get through the French defense but could not beat the keeper one on one. If Ireland continues to miss out on these chances, it could come back to bite them.

Glenn Whelan, who has had a major impact on this game, is replaced by Darron Gibson in the 63rd minute for Ireland.

John O' Shea who has had a fair amount of chances, but failed to convert, is taken out of the game and replaced by Paul McShane in the 67th minute. The Irish are hoping fresh legs will give them a boost late in the game.

What a dramatic showing by both teams. They are in a dead draw right now and anything can happen. It seems that one of these teams should be able to find the back of the net and opportunity after opportunity amasses for both sides. If not, we will be head to Penalty Kicks.

The French side is making a push now. Substitute Paul McShane throws his body in front of a powerful volley by Gourcuff of France, possibly saving the go ahead goal. France seems to have woken up a little.

Robbie Keane breaks through the French defense again, but is denied by Lloris after maybe taking a touch too many. Lloris has had a superb game in what has been a constant onslaught by the Irish.

In the 75th minute, Ireland's Paul McShane receives a yellow card.

A lull in the action here: In the two other games, Portugal is on the verge of clinching their world cup berth and Slovenia is about to shock the Russians again.

Frances' Sebastien Squillaci is yellow-carded in the 79th minute.

85th minute in France. Closing in on Overtime and a possible shootout.

France's Yoann Gourcuff is replaced in the 88th minute by Florent Malouda.

Late in the game, the Irish are looking for the winning goal as Robbie Keane has another opportunity, this time a strike from 25 yards out that cleared the crossbar.

The whistle has blown to end the second half in France. Two fifteen minute overtime periods could determine which of these teams heads to South Africa next summer. Remember, it is not golden goal, and if no one scores, it will go into a shootout.

Even in overtime, however, if the Irish are to score, the French will have to put two in the back of the net because of the aggregate away goal rule.

Both teams seem to be backing off slightly, afraid of making a disastrous mistake. Its almost as if they are accepting penalty kicks. We will see if either side makes a push.

FRANCE GOAL!!!!!! Only two minutes left in the first period of overtime and the French have scored a very important goal, putting immense pressure on Ireland in the last 15 minutes. Thierry Henry looks like his old self and he assists William Gallas who heads the ball in from about 6 yards out.

The second period of overtime is underway and France is just 15 minutes away from making it to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The Irish get a couple of early corner kicks but are unable, like most of the game, to put the ball in the back of the net.

A couple of chances late from both sides on crosses into the box both picked up by the keepers.

France is just minutes away now.

Ireland gives it one last shot in the final minute of overtime as Aiden McGeady crosses the ball for it to be saved yet again by Hugo Lloris.

The game is over. Surely the French crowd is going crazy. The Irish put on a great effort today only to come away disappointed. It was a dominating performance in regulation by the Irish but Les Bleus was able to come up with the clutch, World Cup saving goal, in overtime.

Countless missed opportunities will keep the Ireland faithful up at night for weeks. Robbie Keane was superb in creating the chances today but he just could not find the net as often as he is capable.

The star of the game is unquestionably Hugo Lloris. If he performs in net at such a level in the World Cup it would not be surprising to see the French make a deep run once again in South Africa.

At Work? All Gamecasts HERE

Algeria leads Egypt with 30 minutes remaining in the last African qualifying spot.

Games left:

Uruguay and Costa Rica (1-0 Uruguay)
Slovenia and Russia (2-0 Russia)
France and Ireland (1-0 France)
Bosnia-Herzegovina and Portugal (1-0 Portugal)
Uruguay-Costa Rica (1-0 Uruguay)

Greece vs. Ukraine: 2nd Leg

It's the final day of World Cup qualifying. At the end of the day we will know all 32 teams heading to South Africa next summer.

In Donetsk, Greece tries to outlast Ukraine, after finishing the first leg at a 0-0 draw. A boring first leg, with cautious play by Greece, leads up to this final match that determines the fate of two nations.

The starting lineups:
Greece (White)

Goalkeeper: Alexandros Tzorvas

Vangelis Moras, Nikos Spyropoulos, Georgios Samaras, Konstantinos Katsouranis, Angelos Charisteas, Georgios Karago, Lukas Vyntra, Dimitrios Salpigidis, Socratis Papaststhopoulos, Sotirios Kyrgiakos



Ukraine (Yellow)

Goalkeeper: Andrei Pyatov

Yaroslav Rakitskiy, Olexander Kucher, Anatoliy Tymoschuk, Andriy Yarmolenko, Andriy Shevchenko, Oleksandr Aliev, Artem Milevskiy, Yevhen Khacheridi, Vasyl Kobin, Taras Mikhalik



If Greece can score early, they can put a lot of pressure on Ukraine. A tie greater than 0-0, and they will be moving onto South Africa next summer.

Andriy Shevchenko, though 39 years old, is still the leader and is looking to get involved early for Ukraine.

Early, not much pressure either way, but Ukraine is maintaining a steady possession in Greek territory.

First shot of the game by Oleksandr Aliev from about 32 yds out. Misses the net by a long shot. Ukraine continues to put pressure on, playing balls in behind to Shevchenko.

Shevkenko mishits a rebound in front of the net after a great strike by Aliev at the top of the box. It was one you expect Shevchenko to put away.

Greece with their first opportunity puts a header over the net off a free kick outside the box. Samaras missed the header.

Ukraine gets free kick a couple yards outside the box. A rip to the right corner of the net is denied by the Greek keeper. Shot taken by Aliev.

Greece has settled down a bit and gained some possession of their own as they look to counter and force free kicks and corners around the 18 yd box.

A couple chances each way, leaves us at a pretty even match halfway through the first half.

Socratis Papaststhopoulos goes down for Greece and it looks as if they will have to make a change early on.

Some more pressure on the wings by Ukraine as Kobin plays a pretty ball across the box. Ukraine players could not get on the end of it.

Vassilis Pilatsikos replaces Papaststhopoulos in the 29th minute because of injury for Greece.

GREEEEEEEEEECE GOAL! A beautiful ball from Georgios Samaras in behind the defense leaves Salpigidis one on one with the goalkeeper and he calmly places it into the right corner of the net. What a pretty ball and pretty finish. Another example of the beauty of soccer. Almost everything has to go perfect for a goal to be scored. 31st minute.

Greece has put in the precious away goal putting pressure on Ukraine to score multiple goals in order to qualify for the World Cup.

Ukraine plays around with it a little much in the box after some excellent passing to put pressure on Greece. They have to want and find the net, it doesn't have to be pretty. Kyrgiakos of Greece has been a huge force in the center of the defense thus far, seemingly putting a stop to every chance the Ukrainians think they have to score.

Shevchenko takes a shot inside the box from a very difficult angle pulling it way wide of the net. Only perfection would have allowed for a goal from such an impossible angle.

A free kick from about 30 yds out on the right side of the box is placed perfectly in front of the net. Neither of two Ukrainians can get a touch on the ball and another chance goes unfinished with only a couple minutes remaining in the first half.

It has been an interesting half to watch for sure. The Ukrainians have held most of the possession and had a few very dangerous opportunities to score. Greece has played solid defense inside their own box and capitalized on solid midfield play and counter attacking. Ukraine will have to score two goals in the second half while limiting the Greeks to none. If the second half is anything like the first don't be surprised if they are able to do this. It should be fun.

Halftime Score: Greece 1-Ukraine 0

The second half begins. The tension can be cut with a knife as the Ukrainian crowd hopes for and anticipates a come from behind victory.

The last time Greece played in Ukraine was a 2005 World Cup qualifying match in November. The score of that game was 1-1 but Greece did not qualify for the World Cup. If that is the outcome today, they will be heading to South Africa next summer.

Shevchenko comes out aggressive and creating by finding Khackeridi who hits it straight at the keeper missing another opportunity.

Yellow Card for Khackeridi in the 52nd minute.

More pressure from Ukraine and Oleksandr Aliev's free kick is batted away by Greek keeper Tzorvas in the 57th minute. Aliev has been taken out of the game and replaced by Yevgen Seleznov.

Ukraine is really turning it on as Tzorvas denies another shot from 18 yards out by Shevchenko. They need to find the net soon if they are to make the comeback late in the game.

Seleznov, who just came in, has another chance for Ukraine as he turns in the box and misses wide of the net. They can smell a goal, now they just have to taste the net. A goal here could turn the momentum back their way.

61st minute.

Greece's Theofanis Gekas, the leading scorer in European qualifying, comes off the bench to replace Georgios Samaras in the 63rd minute. Samaras assisted on the lone goal of the game.

Ukraine's Lukas Vyntra receives a yellow card: 63rd minute.

66th minute: Oleksiy Gay replaces Taras Mikhalik for the Ukrainians.

Algeria has just beat Egypt 1-0 to go to The FIFA World Cup in South Africa next summer.

Ukraine continues to dominate the game. Shot after shot is being fired but nothing can find the back of the net. Greece seems content in sitting back and letting Ukraine figure out how to score two goals in the final 20 minutes. It is unquestionably a difficult task and Greece is at a huge advantage.

Oleg Gusev comes in for Ukraine, replacing Andriy Yarmolenko in the 69th minute. Maybe fresh legs will help Ukraine finally get one in the net.

Alexandros Tziolis comes of the bench to replace Angelos Charisteas for Greece in the 71st minute.

Sotirios Kyrgiakos recieves a yellow card in the 78th minute. Time is desperately running out on Ukraine.

When a team gets this deep in the game, with such a dominating performance, but nothing has gone their way, it is difficult for them to keep their spirits up. Disappointment is starting to show in the body language of the Ukrainians. It will be interesting to see if they can continue to put pressure on Greece as time runs out on their chance at the 2010 World Cup.


86th minute.

A dismal attempt to score by Anatoliy Tymoschuk with a few minutes left may be the final opportunity as the Ukrainians see their World Cup dreams slipping hopelessly out of their grasp.

Greece did not have the sort of performance most teams would like to bring to the field today. But, when it is all said and done, they did what they needed to do to make it to South Africa next summer. They scored the one goal they needed to get and decided to pack it in on defense. Getting through that tough as nails central defense, it is no surprise the Ukrainians never found the back of the net. Greek Goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas was phenomenal today as chance after chance was sent his way.

The Ukraine team was valiant in their effort today. A strong performance from Oleksandr Aliev in the middle allowed them to continuously put pressure on the Greek defensive backs. On another day, we would likely have seen a different outcome.

Greece has the capability of being a world soccer powerhouse. They have over half a year to try to put everything together before they make a run at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Qualifying Updates

UEFA First Leg Playoff results

All Qualifying Results from Saturday

The 2nd legs of 5 games will be played on Wednesday November 18th. These teams will be playing their last games for a chance at making it to South Africa next summer.

Uruguay and Costa Rica (1-0 Uruguay)
Slovenia and Russia (2-0 Russia)
France and Ireland (1-0 France)
Ukraine and Greece (0-0)
Bosnia-Herzegovina and Portugal (1-0 Portugal)

Drogba removes self from Ivory Coast qualifier

Didier Drogba has removed himself from Ivory Coast's World Cup qualifier this weekend, after getting injured Sunday during a club match in England. Drogba, playing for Chelsea, was kicked in the chest by Manchester United's Johnny Evans.

Greece vs. Ukraine: A Striker's delight

Greece's status as a European powerhouse is greatly in jeopardy as they prepare to face Ukraine in the World Cup qualifying playoff match. Though they took home the European championship in 2004, the Greeks have failed to make the World Cup since 1994, their only appearance ever.

The two game aggregate series will start in Athens on November 14th and end with the second leg on the 18th in Donetsk. Most agree that this is the most intriguing of the four European playoffs.

Ukraine, who shocked the world by making the quarterfinals in 2006, and lost to the eventual champions Italy, hope to devastate the Greeks again. They were the only team to beat England in qualifying, who they eventually finished second to in Uefa's qualifying group 6.

Already a winner of pressure games, after beating Croatia to jump into the runner's-up position, Ukraine expects a great performance again. An excellent run at the end of qualifying allowed them to maintain their playoff position.

Greece, on the other hand, was expected to come out on top of their group, Uefa qualifying group 2. Despite a phenomenal performance by Striker Theofonis Gekas, who led European qualifying with ten goals, the Greeks came in second behind Switzerland who is heading to South Africa next summer.

Greece, who is managed by Head Coach Otto Rehhegal, is currently 16th in the Fifa world rankings. In order for them to come away with the aggregate victory Gekas will have to continue his prolific scoring.

Ukraine is led by their captain, world class player and one of the greatest goal scorers of his era, Andriy Shevchenko, who recently signed a new two year contract with his former club team, Dynamo Kyiv. Shevchenko led Greece with six goals in qualifying.

Serhiy Nazarenko also put five in the back of the net from the midfield. Ukraine will rely on Shevchenko, Nazarenko, and Liverpool's Andriy Voronin who has been consistently under-performing for his club team, leaving the Liverpool faithful questioning his ability.

Club teams aside, expect a fierce battle, with an outcome leaving one nation euphoric and the other in despair.

New ESPN Soccer Power Index ratings

ESPN has come out with new Soccer Power Index ratings, ranking the top 100 teams in the world. Brazil, Spain, and England are in the top 3 respectively, while the United States Men's National Team is ranked 14th.

The rankings are based on a intricate system of formulas. You can see the SPI guide here.

SPI RANKINGS

1. Brazil
2. Spain
3. England
4. Netherlands
5. Argentina

FULL RANKINGS HERE

Compare these rankings with the FIFA world rankings.

Remaining Qualifying Schedule

UPDATE

Cristiano Ronaldo will be held out of Portugal's World Cup playoff with Bosnia/Herzegovina on November 14th and 18th with an ankle injury.

Portugal vs. Bosnia/Herzegovina: the club factor

Portugal's ability to overcome close wins and early struggles in the qualifying round has given them another shot at reaching South Africa next summer. With some help from the Swedish national team, who faltered down the stretch in qualifying, Portugal finished as runners-up in group 1 of European qualifying behind Denmark.

Controversy surrounds the Portuguese side as their impending playoff with Bosnia is just days away. Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the world's premier footballers and Portugal's most indispensable player, has missed his last eight matches with Real Madrid. The club's doctors have ruled Ronaldo out for two weeks, as they hope to have him return for their match with Barcelona on November 29th.

Carlos Quieroz, the Portugal manager, has different ideas. Days ago, he named Ronaldo to his 23 man roster for the two game aggregate playoff with Bosnia. This has sparked outrage among the Real Madrid organization as their recent contract with Ronaldo made him the highest paid soccer player in the world. It seems they have more at stake than the Portuguese side.

Quieroz does not agree, of course, as the hopes of an entire nation rest on his shoulders. He expects to have Ronaldo re-evaluated by the national team doctors when he joins the team. "The specialists have to make the decision on if he can play," he said.

Losing a player of Ronaldo's caliber puts into question their ability to beat a Bosnian national team that has scored at will throughout qualifying. They have a young play-maker and goal scorer of their own. Edin Dzeko, the "Bosnian Diamond," and one of the best young strikers on the planet, is second in European qualifying with nine goals. His impressive ability to find the back of the net has turned Bosnia into one of the strongest and most potent offenses in Europe.

In these games,the pressure mounts from all countries, even those such as Bosnia with less tradition and history of success than Portugal. Miroslav Blazevic, the Bosnian manager, understands the significance of the two matches that will be played in Lisbon on November 14th and Zenica on the 18th, as Bosnia hasn't qualified for a major tournament since their recognition into FIFA in 1996. "I have never been involved in a more important match in my career," he said. "There is a lot of pressure and great expectations among the fans, so we mustn't let them down."

Quieroz, himself, is confident in his sides ability to stop the Bosnian strike force as they have only conceded 5 goals in qualifying. Playing at home in the opener, he hopes to come out with a solid result in preparation for the final match on the 18th. "As far as we are concerned, the World Cup starts now," he said. "We are going to try and put ourselves in a strong position for the return leg."

With Ronaldo likely to miss the two games, Portugal will have to lean on two of their other stars. Simao, who leads the team with four goals in qualifying, and Deco, who runs the show from the middle of the field, will be expected to carry the load if Portugal is to reach the World Cup for the fifth time.

With expectations high from both sides, the stage is set for a fiery playoff featuring some of the world's best players.

France vs. Ireland: Tradition vs. Determination

With a history and tradition of national team success, one that comes with European championships, World Cup titles, and an undeniable resume, French players and coaches are undoubtedly feeling a weight on their shoulders as they vie for one of the four remaining European spots in the World Cup.

France is ranked 9th in the fifa world rankings but will have a significant test in the 34th ranked Republic of Ireland squad. Having reached the 2006 World Cup finals, expectations remain high for the French side, even without their captain and backbone Zinadine Zidane retired.

Ireland, who will open up the to two game aggregate series in Dublin on November 14th, has not lost a game in qualifying and is one of the teams that France had hoped to avoid. Though some controversy has surrounded the roster snub of Blackburn's oft injured Andy Reid, manager Giovanni Trapatonni is confident in his choices. "The team is now balanced. I cannot change now. We have a mentality to beat France. We performed strongly throughout the group stages. We were undefeated in ten games and this is a reflection of how we have played and also the mental strength of this team," he said.

It is this mental strength, and an ability to take advantage of playing at home that scares the French side. They will continue to rely on Thierry Henry, their leading scorer in qualifying. Henry is unquestionably aging, as he seems a step slower on the pitch, but he remains the go to guy and one of the best creators and finishers on the planet.

Another concern for France will be the the loss of Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery with a knee injury. His creativity on the field has been a catalyst for the French since the previous World Cup.

Ireland will be leaning on Robbie Keane, who leads the team with five goals in qualifying. He leads a team that possesses the necessary physical and mental toughness to knock off the 9th best team in the world, and end their run at a 4th consecutive World Cup appearance.

South Africa awaits one of these nations. On November 18th, the eyes of a continent will be on Saint Denis, France as Ireland tries to shock the soccer world.

Costa Rica vs. Uruguay: vying for the last spot

Jonathan Bornstein's header with 30 seconds remaining in stoppage time struck the back of the net with a ferocity that the Costa Ricans felt equally in their hearts, momentarily crushing their World Cup dreams. The goal gave the United States a 2-2 draw with Costa Rica, leaving the Ticos players, fans, and coaches in shock. A devastating moment? Yes. But the end of a 3rd consecutive run to the world cup? No.

The goal that seemed to crush a nation, may be the exact motivation necessary to take the final step in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. Costa Rican manager Rene Simoes understands the difficulties that lie ahead in getting his players' mindsets back to where they need to be. "First I have to build their spirits. They are in the dumps. This was a shock to them. Everything was going fine up until the last minute. The game just ended and it's very sad," Simoes said after the game.

The Ticos will be relying on their two leading scorers in qualifying games, Alvaro Saborio and Bryan Ruiz, both having put six in the back of the net.

They will be taking on Uruguay in a home and home aggregate series that starts on November 14th in Uruguay and ends on November 18th in Costa Rica.

The Uruguayans had an equally difficult end to their qualifiers as they battled Argentina for the one remaining South American spot, losing a devastating 1-0 match.
Striker Diego Forlan, who has scored seven goals in qualifying and leads his team, is optimistic of the situation. "What really matters is that our fate is our hands. It hurts because we were so close...We need to realize we are two games away from qualifying and we can do it," he said.

Two nations will rally around their football teams, hoping for one last push into the South African promise land next summer. Tactics aside, we are sure to witness two great games and an intensely fought competition.

Playoff Games

As we draw closer to December 4th, the day of the World Cup group drawings, the soccer universe's ever-present eye awaits the six impending playoff competitions, four which will come from the Union of European Football Associations, one coming from the winner of a South American-Concacaf battle, and the last coming in a Asian-Oceania face-off.

These matches, consisting of two legs, will take place on November 14th and 18th. In Europe, we will witness the match-ups between Russia and Slovenia, Ireland and France, Greece and Ukraine, and Portugal and Bosnia/Herzegovina. In the Western hemisphere, Costa Rica and Uruguay will fight for their own dreams, as they try to fill that one remaining World Cup spot.

Bahrain and New Zealand, in the Asia-Oceania playoff, have already played their first leg and came out with 0-0 tie. Their final leg will take place on November 14th in Wellington, New Zealand.