European teams book World Cup places

Sun Oct 11 2009 13:33:27

A determined Germany, late-scoring Denmark, stylish Serbia and dramatic Italy all booked their places in the World Cup finals on the penultimate night of European qualifying on Saturday.

Bosnia, France and Ireland secured places in next month's seeded play-offs which will provide another four qualifiers. Switzerland are also assured of at least a play-off berth but remain well-placed for automatic qualification.

Ten-man Germany again marched impressively into the finals when a 1-0 win, thanks to Miroslav Klose's 50th international goal, at rivals Russia secured top place in Group Four. Russia are assured of a play-off place.

Italy looked as if they would need their final Group Eight qualifier against Cyprus to make sure of progressing after Sean St Ledger put Ireland 2-1 up with a brilliant diving header three minutes from time in Dublin.

But Alberto Gilardino levelled in the 90th minute to secure top spot on 21 points and leave Ireland in the play-offs, which they were guaranteed anyway thanks to Bulgaria's surprise 4-1 defeat in Cyprus.

Serbia thrashed Romania 5-0 to qualify in style ahead of 2006 runners-up France in Group Seven. Andre-Pierre Gignac got two in France's regulation 5-0 win over the Faroe Islands.

Denmark, who missed out on the last two major championships, went through from Group One as Jakob Poulsen struck 12 minutes from time to secure a 1-0 home win over Sweden.

Sweden now look likely to miss out altogether as they dropped to third on 15 points behind Portugal, who beat Hungary 3-0 with two goals from Simao Sabrosa.

Portugal, who looked out of it weeks ago, finish off at home to Malta where a win will secure a play-off place.

Bosnia, who have never qualified for a major tournament, moved closer after their 2-0 win in Estonia secured second place in Group Five.

Group winners Spain made it nine wins out of nine when they beat Armenia 2-1 away with goals by Cesc Fabregas and Juan Mata from the penalty spot.

Defender Philippe Senderos scored two headers as Switzerland cruised past Luxembourg 3-0 to get to 20 points in Group Two. A point at home to Israel on Wednesday will guarantee progress.

Greece are still just in the hunt for top spot as Theofanis Gekas scored four goals in a 5-2 home win over Latvia to move to 17 points with a home game against Luxembourg to come.

Group Three will go to the wire after Slovenia secured a superb 2-0 away win over leaders Slovakia.

Valter Birsa and Nejc Pecnik were on target to take Slovenia to 17 points, two behind Slovakia.

The Slovaks are away to Poland on Wednesday while Slovenia visit San Marino.

Czech Republic, who beat Poland 2-0, and Northern Ireland are theoretically still in the hunt for a play-off berth. They meet on Wednesday in Prague.

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