Liverpool’s Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos reaches World Cup finals, but Everton’s Russian midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov misses out

Nov 19 2009 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

THERE were mixed fortunes for two Merseyside-based players in last night’s World Cup qualifying play-offs.

Defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos became the latest Liverpool player to guarantee himself a hectic summer after Greece beat Ukraine to qualify for the World Cup.

With the tie all square after a goalless first leg in Athens, Greece secured their place in South Africa with a 1-0 win in Donetsk thanks to Dimitris Salpigidis’ strike.

As it stands, Rafael Benitez could have as many as 17 members of his current first team squad involved in a tournament that is not scheduled to finish until July 11.

However, there was heartbreak for Everton’s Diniyar Bilyaletdinov as Russia crashed out on the away goals rule following a 1-0 reversal in Slovenia with Zlatko Dedic netting.

Guus Hiddink’s side had won Saturday’s first leg in Moscow 2-1 thanks to a brace from the Everton midfielder.

Russia had Alexander Kerzhakov dismissed after 66 minutes following a lunge on keeper Samir Handanovic while Yuri Zhirkov saw red in stoppage time.

Jose Raul Meireles scored as Portugal defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0 in Zenica for a 2-0 aggregate win.

Meanwhile, Antar Yahia’s spectacular goal earned Algeria the final African qualifying spot in next summer’s World Cup finals in South Africa as they defeated Egypt 1-0.