Final World Cup Slots are Filled in Europe and America

Nations around the world were holding their collective breaths as World Cup Qualifying concluded yesterday. Wednesday's fixtures saw the second legs of the four European playoff fixtures, and the final match of the North vs. South America showdown to determine the eighth World Cup Qualifier that will hail from the Western Hemisphere. All five playoff fixtures were tight as every shot, save, and goal had an effect on the final roster of nations that will be represented in South Africa 2010. The action was intense, the calls were controversial, the moment was just pure brilliance. The final field of 32 nations is now set, now the focus is on next summer's spectacle that will be watched by millions around the world, as South Africa will become the unofficial center of the World. But before we get to far ahead of ourselves, here is the breakdown of how the five qualifiers took place throughout Europe and the Americas.

Ukraine 0-1 Greece (Greece Wins on Aggregate 1-0)

Following a scoreless draw in Athens, Greece and Ukraine competed in a winner take all game to determine who would qualify for the World Cup. Dimitrios Salpiqidis scored for the Greeks 31st minute to give the Greeks a 1-0 win on the road. After allowing the goal the Ukrainians did control the game, but were unable to generate anything offensively. The goal was enough for the victory, as Greece claimed the match and the series by a 1-0 scoreline. With the win the Greeks have qualified for their second ever World Cup, with their only other one being United State '94.

Bosnia 0-1 Portugal (Portugal Wins on Aggregate 2-0)

Portugal followed up their 1-0 win at home with a 1-0 win on the road at Bosnia. Bosnia was in contention for most of the match, and at times looked like they would equalize the series. Then Portugal's Raul Meireles scored in the 55th minute to give the Portuguese a 2-0 aggregate lead, and an all important away goal. From that point on Portugal coasted to a 1-0 win and a 2-0 win in the two-game series. With the win Portugal qualified for their third consecutive World Cup, and their fifth World Cup all-time.

Slovenia 1-0 Russia

(Slovenia tied Russia on Aggregate 2-2, but advances on Away Goals 1-0)

Despite winning 2-1 in Moscow on Saturday, the Russians knew they were not safe heading into Slovenia on Wednesday. Slovenia scored a monumental away goal which in the end served as the difference maker in the series. That away goal came into the forefront as Slovenia's Zlatko Dedic scored in the 44th minute to give Slovenia a 1-0 lead in the match, and evened the Aggregate score at 2-2. The Slovenian crowd erupted as they realized with Dedic's goal the Slovenians now led Russia 1-0 on Away goals, and could advance on the tie-breaker. The Russians desperately tried to negate the Away Goal rule by putting in a mark of their own. However it was not meant to be as the Slovenians held on for the 1-0 victory, and won the series on the Away Goal tie-breaker rule 1-0. Slovenia became independent in 1991, and this is the nation's fourth attempt at Qualifying for the World Cup. This will be Slovenia's second World Cup appearance, with there only other one being Korea/Japan 2002.

France 1-1 Ireland (France Wins on Aggregate 2-1)

OK, this will be a test of the nerves as my deep Irish roots try to compose the right words to describe the ATROCITY that took place in Paris on Wednesday. The French came into Wednesday's match with a 1-0 lead over the Irish, despite being a heavy underdog the Irish came in confident that they could create some magic. And boy did they create some magic. Irishman Robbie Keane scored in the 33rd minute to give the Irish some life as with Keane's goal the aggregate score was now level at 1-1, and both teams were even on Away Goals. Even though the French did out shoot the Irish 16-5, the Irish had the better of useful possession, and created a multitude of chances to put Ireland ahead in the series. For the entire second half the Irish dominate play so much that the Irish defense had nothing to do but simply watch the game or join the attack. Still, with the multitude of chances the Irish could not find a way to put one in the back of the net. The final whistle blew and the series had to be decided in extra time as the two nations were tied on aggregate and away goals.

In the extra-time session the Irish still had a majority of the chances but they could never put them away. Then the moment of the match occurred. Off a French free kick French Forward Thierry Henry handled the ball (this not a bias folks, he ADMITTED that he handled the ball). Henry brought down the ball and twice TWICE directed the ball with his hand in order to get the ball into position to cross it to French teammate William Gallas. From their Gallas converted from inside the 6-yard box, and it was his 104th minute goal that was the difference in the match. Irish players went ballistic at Swedish referree Martin Hansson, and the side-line official who missed the call. Everybody on the field knew it was a handball except the three men on the field who were carrying the whistles. Admits protest, and a lack of celebration by the French the goal stood. It turned out that Gallas' goal would be the difference as France went on to win the series 2-1. France will now be entering their thirteenth World Cup, and this one will be France's fourth consecutive tournament.

BUT HOLD ON A MINUTE-As of the writing of this article the Irish Football Association is appealing to UEFA and FIFA for a reply of the match, due to the clearly visible handball. It is doubtful there will actually be a reply but it is most definitely something to keep an eye on.

Uruguay 1-1 Costa Rica (Uruguay Advances on Aggregate 2-1)

Uruguay looked to cruise in this one after claiming a 1-0 win on the road at Costa Rica. However that was not the case as Costa Rica gave them more than what Uruguay could ever ask for. Uruguay's Sebastian Abreu scored in the 69th minute to give Uruguay a 2-0 Aggregate lead, however Costa Rica would not go away that easy. Costa Rica's Walter Centeno scored in the 73rd to give the CONCACAF nation some life. Following Centeno's goal the Costa Ricans kept up the pressure not letting Uruguay walk away with the game. Time and again the Uruguay crowd grew anxious over the opportunities Costa Rica was creating. However it was not enough as Uruguay and Costa Rica played to a 1-1 draw, and Uruguay won the two-game series with a 2-1 Aggregate scoreline. With the win Uruguay will advance to their eleventh World Cup, their first since Korea/Japan 2002. The nation was in relief as the home of the World Cup, and the tournament's first two Champions are once again back to where they belong, in the FIFA World Cup

With the playoff round now officially over it is time to focus on the 32 teams that will be on display at World Football's Biggest Competition. For as much pressure, excitement, passion, and drama that was in the World Cup Qualifiers. It will be nothing to likes of what the levels of pressure, excitement, passion, and drama will be in the World Cup. The Cup is only months away, and the field is now set. As the road to South Africa is complete for 32 Nations, and now it is time to focus on the big dance of International Football. The field is set, and ready. Are You?

---Seriously That was a HANDBALL,,,,,France you better ask for a replay or else you will be on my PERMANENT bad side forever, and I'm not kidding. Replay or else.