[WC 2010] Play-off draw

The Republic of Ireland must overcome France if they are to reach the FIFA World Cup in South Africa next summer after the qualifying play-off draw was made in Zurich.

The top eight runners-up from the nine European qualifying groups will take part in two-legged ties on 14 and 18 November, and Giovanni Trapattoni's Irish, who finished second to world champions Italy in Group 8, were drawn against top seeds France.

Portugal, who like the French struggled their way to the play-offs, have been drawn against a Bosnia-Herzegovina side aiming to reach their first major finals.

Former European champions Greece meet Ukraine and Russia take on Slovenia in the other ties.

Already through to the finals from 11 June until 11 July 2010 from Europe are the nine qualifying group winners: Denmark, Switzerland, Slovakia, Germany, Spain, England, Serbia, the Netherlands and the holders Italy.

The draw for the 32-team World Cup will be held on 4 December in Cape Town.

World Cup qualifiers so far:
Hosts: South Africa.
Africa (CAF): Ghana, Ivory Coast. Three more automatic places remaining.
Asia (AFC): Australia, Japan, North Korea, South Korea.
Europe (UEFA): Denmark, England, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland.
South America (CONMEBOL): Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay.
North, Central America & Caribbean (CONCACAF): Honduras, Mexico, USA.

European play-offs:
14-11-2009: Greece v Ukraine, Portugal v Bosnia-Herzegovina, Republic of Ireland v France, Russia v Slovenia.
18-11-2009: Bosnia-Herzegovina v Portugal, France v Republic of Ireland, Slovenia v Russia, Ukraine v Greece.

Inter-continental play-offs:
10-10-2009: Bahrain 0-0 New Zealand.
14-11-2009: Costa Rica v Uruguay, New Zealand v Bahrain.
18-11-2009: Uruguay v Costa Rica.

Source: UEFA