Republic of Ireland

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Ireland edged out by France

19 Nov 2009 - 08:07:44

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The Republic of Ireland's hopes of reaching the World Cup finals ended in controversy and misery as they were edged out 2-1 on aggregate by France.

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, the Irish levelled the tie when Robbie Keane found the net just before half-time in the Stade de France and there were no further goals during normal time.

Les Bleus' progress was sealed right on half-time of extra-time when William Gallas turned the ball home from close range, although Thierry Henry had clearly handled in setting up his former Arsenal team-mate.

Russia also missed out on a place in South Africa, losing 1-0 in Slovenia to crash out on away goals after the tie finished level at 2-2.

Zlatko Dedic scored the only goal of the game in Maribor, while Russia ended with nine men as both Aleksandr Kerzhakov and Yuri Zhirkov were red-carded.

Portugal eased through 2-0 on aggregate over Bosnia-Herzegovina, with the visitors winning the second leg 1-0 in Zenica thanks to a Raul Meireles strike.

Greece won 1-0 in Ukraine to progress by the same scoreline, with Dimitrios Salpingidis the matchwinner.

Uruguay secured their place at next summer's showpiece as they drew 1-1 with Honduras in Montevideo to edge a 2-1 aggregate success in the South America/CONCACAF play-off.

Algeria took the final African spot by winning a one-off play-off clash with Egypt in Sudan.

The teams met after finishing with identical records in qualifying, with Antar Yahia's goal proving decisive in Khartoum.