As New Zealand celebrate their return to a World Cup 28 years later, ten sides will be looking to secure their own route into next years tournament as the first legs of the World Cup Playoffs in Europe and South/Central America kick off tonight. Portugal will want to prove to the world that they can cope without the influential Cristiano Ronaldo as they take on a confident Bosnia side in Lisbon, whereas the pressure is also on Raymond Domenech as France look to escape unscathed from a tricky away tie in Dublin with the Republic of Ireland. Elsewhere in Europe Greece play host to Ukraine and Slovenia travel to Russia. Across the Atlantic Uruguay will face Costa Rica in the CONMEBOL/CONCACAF playoff.
ASIAN PLAYOFF: New Zealand 1 - 0 Bahrain (New Zealand qualify for World Cup with 1-0 aggregate score)
Russia - Slovenia (5pm)
Greece - Ukraine (7pm)
Republic of Ireland - France (9pm)
Portugal - Bosnia (9.30pm)
Costa Rica - Uruguay (3am)
(All kick-off times GMT+1)
