The UEFA Region had its second to last matchday with some countries needing wins to keep their hopes of traveling to South Africa next summer alive. Some of the key matches were Republic of Ireland v Italy, France v Faroe Islands, and Portugal v Hungary.
Here’s a recap of these matches along with video highlights from Saturday, October 10, 2009.
Italy and Republic of Italy draw 2-2 in UEFA World Cup Qualifying – Video Highlights
The Republic of Ireland had a lead two times in the match but couldn’t hold it against Italy. Ireland had goals from Glenn Whelan (8th minute) and Sean St Ledger (87th minute) while Italy’s goals were from Mauro German Camoranesi (26th minute) and Alberto Gilardino (90th minute). Italy is first place in the group while Ireland has clinched 2nd place in the group.
| MATCH STATS | ||
| Ireland | Italy | |
| Shots (on Goal) | 9(6) | 10(6) |
| Fouls | 20 | 13 |
| Corner Kicks | 5 | 4 |
| Offsides | 1 | 4 |
| Time of Possession | 47% | 53% |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 1 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Saves | 5 | 4 |
| SCORING SUMMARY | |
| Ireland | Italy |
| Glenn Whelan (8) | Mauro German Camoranesi(26) |
| Sean St. Ledger (87) | Alberto Gilardino (90) |
France crushes Faroe Islands 5-0 in UEFA World Cup Qualifying – Video Highlights
France easily defeated the Faroe Islands with two goals from Andre Pierre Gignac (34th minute and 38th minute). The other goals came from William Gallas (53rd minute), Nicolas Anelka (86th minute), and Karim Benzema (88th minute). France has no chance to win the group stage and must now go through the play-off with the other 2nd place teams to qualify.
| MATCH STATS | ||
| France | Faroe Islands | |
| Shots (on Goal) | 30(19) | 4(1) |
| Fouls | 11 | 7 |
| Corner Kicks | 10 | 1 |
| Offsides | 3 | 0 |
| Time of Possession | 64% | 36% |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 0 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Saves | 1 | 10 |
| SCORING SUMMARY | |
| France | Faroe Islands |
| Andre Pierre Gignac (34) | |
| Andre Pierre Gignac (38) | |
| William Gallas (53) | |
| Nicolas Anelka (86) | |
| Karim Benzema (88) | |
