With four showdowns for a place at World Cup 2010 in South Africa starting Saturday, we take a capsule look ahead to the match-ups.

by Greg Seltzer for Soccer365

With four showdowns for a place at World Cup 2010 in South Africa starting Saturday, we take a capsule look ahead to the match-ups.

The first leg host is listed first, with all four returns set for Wednesday.

Greece v Ukraine

The history: The Ukraine have won two of four clashes, with one draw. And just guess who kept Greece out of World Cup 2006...

The Greece storyline: This group is almost fully changed over from the Euro 2004 championship side, which puts the onus of leadership once again on Giorgos Karagounis.

The Ukraine storyline: The first leg visitors are also trying to break a qualification playoff jinx, which has them fail at the final hurdle three times. This would also most likely be the last chance for Andriy Shevchenko to feature at a World Cup.

Keep an eye on: Young Ukraine forward Artem Milevskiy is full of skill and imagination. He's seemed on the verge of breaking out for a while. Now would be a great time to do it.

Who's missing: For the Ukraine, only midfielder Serhiy Nazarenko is out of uniform. The Greeks, however, must go without the veteran trio of Giannis Amanatidis, Giourkas Seitaridis and Vassilis Torosidis

My call: The fourth time's a charm for the Ukraine, who are better equipped for this tie and for next summer's event.

Ireland v France

The history: France have won half their 10 WCQ meetings, Ireland just three and all at home. The Irish are seeking a return to the big time after missing out on World Cup 2006 and Euro 2008.

The Ireland storyline: With nothing to lose, the fightin' Irish will plan to push France to its physical and mental limit to make up for the talent gap.

The France storyline: Like Portugal, there are a lot of mirror conversations dominated by the phrase "We just cannot lose" over in Les Bleus country - for players, fans, federation bigwigs and embatled coach Raymond Domenech.

Keep an eye on: It looks as though Eric Abidal will slide over to play center back. He'd best be on his toes, with big play sneaky speedster Damien Duff and forward Robbie Keane running around.

Who's missing: Wing terror Franck Ribéry and wingback Gaël Clichy are out, but Les Bleus are still crossing their fingers over the doubtful trio of handyman Abou Diaby, forward André-Pierre Gignac and midfielder Jérémy Toulalan. On the other side, Ireland are all ready to go.

My call: France have more pressure and all the key absences, but also enough fortitude and depth to steer past Ireland.

Portugal v Bosnia

The history: The teams have never met. Bosnia is looking for its first World Cup berth, while Portugal are trying to qualify for the fifth time.

The Portugal storyline: Can they handle the upstarts if Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't play? The Real Madrid man's ankle may keep him out Saturday, but who knows what will happen in midweek if things look hairy for the favorite. Missing out would be a disaster.

The Bosnia storyline: The new kid is stronger than people think and coming to a form boil. Being that they've never qualified for a World Cup, this story writes itself with their result in this tie.

Keep an eye on: Whichever less-experienced but athletic international center back lines up next to Ricardo Carvalho is your man. With Bosnia's attack revving and purring, this guy is on the spot to avoid mistakes.

Who's missing: Besides Ronaldo, Portugal wil be without Jose Bosingwa and Pedro Mendes. Bosnia must replace starting keeper Kenan Hasagić.

My call: This looks to be a wild, see-saw bout, with momentum shifts aplenty. With Ronaldo hobbling at the wrong time, it says here Bosnia scores the knockout blow.

Russia v Slovenia

The history: The pair have net three times, with an even split: one win each and a draw. However, Slovenia's victory came in a 2001 World Cup qualifier, while Russia's was a friendly.

The Russia storyline: They have the best playoff draw, starting at home, and are arguably in the best form of all eight competitors. Russia are expected to cruise.

The Slovenia storyline: Can the eternal scrappers make the cut for a second time? Nobody thought they could in 2002, either.

Keep an eye on: This is Andrei Arshavin's show, baby. Strap in and enjoy the ride.

Who's missing: Russia is just about fully fit, while the underdogs are without defenders and Bojan Jokič and Matej Mavrič.

My call: Guus Hiddink should be able to comfortably march his men to South Africa. Even though it probably won't be as easy as one might assume, Russia will get the job done.

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