by FRANCO PANIZO
Nine spots remain for the 2010 World Cup, and four of those will be decided through the UEFA playoffs, which are set to begin on Saturday.
Russia-Slovenia, Greece-Ukraine, Portugal-Bosnia Herzegovina and France-Ireland are the two-legged playoffs that will determine which remaining UEFA teams punch their tickets to South Africa next summer.
With everything to play for for these eight teams, you can expect to see some fierce encounters and entertaining soccer.
Here is a closer look at the UEFA playoff matches:
Russia - Slovenia
Guus Hiddink is one of the most prolific head coaches in the world, but he will have to guide Russia to a World Cup berth to avoid having a blemish on his remarkable resume.
Hiddink and Russia host Slovenia in the first leg, and despite allowing only six goals in qualifying, the Russians are putting the emphasis on attack. Andrei Arshavin will probably be the key to unlock the Slovenian defense, as his dribbling ability and shooting prowess have proven to cause constant headaches for opposing backlines.
Slovenia's defense, which includes Sochaux left back Bojan Jokic, has to keep Arshavin from wreaking havoc, while the offense must convert their chances. AJ Auxerre forward Valter Birsa and FC Koln striker Milivoje Novakovic will need to find the back of the net if Slovenia is to shock Hiddink and Russia.
Greece - Ukraine
Andriy Shevchenko felt World Cup soccer for the first time in 2006, and if he wants to repeat that feeling he will need to help Ukraine topple Greece.
The 33-year-old Shevchenko and Ukraine will visit the 2004 European champions on Saturday, and will look to qualify for their second consecutive World Cup with a solid start at Karaiskakis Stadium. The Ukrainians had a hand in denying Greece a spot in Germany 2006, and will look to repeat that while assuring themselves of a spot in South Africa.
And while Ukraine looks for a second consecutive World Cup appearance, Greece is looking for their second appearance ever. The Greeks have not been to the World Cup since 1994, and Theofanis Gekas, Giorgos Karagounis and Angelos Charisteas could play vital roles in Greece's quest for a World Cup return.
Portugal - Bosnia-Herzegovina
If Portugal is to reach the World Cup, it will have to do so without Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo has been ruled out of both legs against Bosnia-Herzegovina with an ankle injury, leaving Portugal without its most potent player. Portugal will also be missing right back Jose Bosingwa and defensive midfielder Pedro Mendes, both of whom are out with knee injuries.
Despite being bitten by the injury bug, the Portuguese still have players like Real Madrid defender Pepe, Chelsea midfielder Deco and Atletico Madrid striker Simao at their disposal.
But Bosnia-Herzegovina, which finished behind Spain and ahead of Turkey in Group 5, will be looking to stun the world with a win. The Dragons have the talent to pull it off, too. Players such as Edin Dzeko and Emir Spahic are likely to cause Portugal problems, as is former St. Louis University and current TSG Hoffenheim forward Vedad Ibisevic.
Ireland - France
Ireland is one step away from returning to the World Cup after missing out in 2006. Unfortunately for the Irish, they have the daunting task of knocking off the overly-talented but under-performing France.
Ireland enters the playoff as the underdog, but is no push over. Boasting talents such as Shay Given, John O'Shea, Damien Duff and captain Robbie Keane, Ireland is capable of pulling off the upset. They also host the first leg at Croke Park, and a big start there would do wonders for their potential return to the World Cup.
France, however, is confident it will prevail despite its struggles since reaching the World Cup Final in 2006. Head coach Raymond Domenech labeled Ireland "England B", and the French players said they are well-equipped for what they expect to be a very physical playoff. France, who has not missed out of a World Cup since 1994, is also hoping to rely on the talents of Thierry Henry to reach South Africa.
----------
What do you think of the UEFA playoffs? Which players do you see playing a big role this weekend? Who will qualify for the World Cup?
Share your thoughts below.
