WC 2010 Play-off: France, Russia, Portugal have slight advantage and round-up

Nicolas Anelka’s deflected second-half goal earned France a 1-0 win at Croke Park to leave Republic of Ireland with a mountain to climb to reach the World Cup finals.

Giovanni Trapattoni’s side fought valiantly in the first leg of their play-off encounter, but came unstuck on 72 minutes when Anelka’s shot clattered off Sean St Ledger’s legs and in off the post.

Portugal carved out a first-leg advantage in the World Cup play-offs as Bruno Alves’ first-half goal clinched a 1-0 win at home to Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Missing the injured Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal were forced to turn to the unlikely source of Porto defender Alves for the decisive goal just past the half-hour mark.

Alves headed home at the far post to send Portugal into Wednesday’s second leg with a slender advantage over Bosnia-Herzegovina, who are hoping to qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time.

Everton midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov scored twice as Russia defeated Slovenia 2-1 in the first leg of their World Cup qualifying play-off.

The home side took the lead in the 40th minute when Bilyaletdinov received a pass from Spurs striker Roman Pavlyuchenko before turning and blasting a right-footed effort into the top corner.

The left-winger then doubled the advantage the other side of the break when he slotted home from close range following some good work from Andrey Arshavin.

But substitute Nejc Pecnik pounced on a rebound with two minutes left to give Slovenia a vital away goal and ensure that the tie is finely balanced ahead of the second leg in Maribor.

Ukraine will head into the second leg of their play-off with Greece as favourites to reach the World Cup following a 0-0 draw in Athens.

In a game which saw both teams create chances to score, neither of the World Cup hopefuls were able to land a telling blow.