Dramatic End to World Cup Qualification

It started way back in 2007, and now World Cup qualifying is finally drawing to a close. Following today's afternoon games, 31 of 32 spots in South Africa are decided, with Uruguay and Costa Rica battling for the final berth as I type. It was a day full of drama in Europe and Africa, with a few moments that will certainly be talked about for years to come.

Following their dramatic conclusion to group play, Algeria and Egypt took to the field in Sudan for a one game playoff for the final African berth. It was a tense affair that featured clutch goalkeeping and one great goal. In the 39th minute, Anthar Yahia smashed a volley just underneath the crossbar from about 7 yards out to give Algeria the lead. Despite Egpyt's best efforts to equalize, the Algerians were able to hold the lead for the rest of the game. Goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi turned in a heroic performance for Algeria with several point-blank saves in the second half, and he was deservedly carried on the shoulders of joyous fans after the match. The result earns Algeria a berth in the World Cup, their first since 1986.

In Europe, France and Ireland is what most soccer fans are talking about after an extremely controversial ending. Robbie Keane was able to score for Ireland in the first half to level the aggregate score and stun the French crowd. Ireland had several other golden opportunities to add another, but were unable to find a second goal. The match went on to extratime, where France scored a goal in the 103rd thanks to an obvious handball by Thierry Henry. The FC Barcelona striker handled the ball (twice) off a Florent Malouda freekick before passing it across goal to William Gallas, who finished from close range. The full spectrum of reactions were present after the goal, as Henry sprinted in jubilation, the Irish players shouted in anger, and the Irish fans watched in disbelief. Most telling, though, was the look on Gallas' face after scoring the goal. He seemed almost embarrassed, surely having seen Henry's blatant infraction. Nevertheless, the officials missed the call and France are moving on to the World Cup as a result. We'll surely have more on this play later in the week, but for now, back to the rest of Europe.

Ukraine were stunned in front of their home fans, as Greece stole a 1-0 win on the road to earn just their second trip to the FIFA World Cup. Giorgos Samaras played a magnificent throughball to the feet of a streaking Dimitrios Salpigidis, who went in on goal and finished cooly to the far post for the critical away goal. This proved to be the difference in the tie, as Ukraine squandered chance after chance. The Greeks return to the World Cup for the first time since 1994 and are led by Otto Rehhagel, who was the manager during Greece's memorable Euro 2004 title.

Elsewhere, Portugal earned another 1-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, this time on the road. Despite missing Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese were able to win both legs of the tie, earning them a spot in their third consecutive World Cup. Russia did not have the same luck, however, as they lost 1-0 to a plucky Slovenian side that will now play in the World Cup for only the second time (the first being in 2002). The late goal that Slovenia scored in the first leg in Moscow proved to be crucial, as their superior away goals total gave them the edge over Russia.

So, 3 of the 4 higher seeds won their ties in the UEFA playoffs, with only Russia missing out on the World Cup.