The 2006 runners up France, were beaten into second place in their qualifying group by Serbia. They now play the Republic of Ireland, who are unbeaten under current boss Giovanni Trappattoni.
Trappattoni's men won a lot of praise for their performances in a difficult group, that also included France's World Cup conquerors, Italy. The Irish drew home and away against the holders and will be looking to take that good form into the World Cup play-off games.
The Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney said: "I've spoken to the manager, he's quite relaxed about it.
"We don't lose games on many goals, we don't win games on many goals. I wouldn't expect that pattern to change."
France boss Raymond Domenech has come under almost relentless pressure since leading the nation to an early exit at Euro 2008 and defeat to the Republic could signal the end of his five year tenure. However, like Delaney, he too seems quietly confident.
"They're a team who have not lost in qualifying, who drew with Italy in their last game after conceding a late goal." said the 57 year old. "We know they're tough, but so are we."
Meanwhile, Christiano Ronaldo's Portugal will be happy just to have reached the play-offs, after a slow start to the group stage, which included an embarrassing draw with Albania, very nearly put paid to any hopes of qualification and ruined their odds of winning the World Cup.
Under pressure boss Carlos Queiroz will have been hoping for an easier time in the play-offs but unfortunately for him, Portugal have been drawn against a highly talented Bosnia-Herzegovina side.
The Bosnians may well have qualified automatically had they not been drawn in a group alongside European champions Spain. Nevertheless, they will fancy their chances against a Portugal team that could be without their World Footballer of the Year, who was injured during a recent qualifier with Hungary.
Play-off draw in full:
Republic of Ireland v France
Portugal v Bosnia-Herzegovina
Greece v Ukraine
Russia v Slovenia
Source: ScoresPro.com
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