Italy qualify for WC

In Dublin,a 90th-minute goal from substitute striker Alberto Gilardino helped defending champions Italy clinch a berth in the World Cup finals with a 2-2 draw against Ireland. Ireland appeared to have secured a stunning 2-1 win with Sean St. Ledgers diving header in the 87th minute,only for Gilardino to steer the ball past goalkeeper Shay Given at the end.

France finally rediscovered their attacking gusto but it was a bit late for the former world champions,who will have to win a playoff in November. Raymond Domenechs team crushed the Faeroe Islands with a 5-0 win on Saturday at Guingamp to clinch second place in their qualifying group behind leaders Serbia,who beat Romania 5-0 to secure an automatic qualification spot.

Serhiy Nazarenko scored the only goal as Ukraine beat Group 6 winner England 1-0 ito strengthen their chances of reaching the finals. Denmark got the better of Sweden 1-0 to book their ticket as winners of Group One while Portugal moved into second and a

shot at making the play-offs with a 3-0 win over Hungary.