The final lineup of teams for next year's World Cup in South Africa was settled on Wednesday after six drama-charged playoffs on three different continents.

France, with a controversial extra-time goal, joined Slovenia, Greece and Portugal as the last four qualifiers from Europe.

Algeria snatched the last African spot while the World Cup's inaugural champions Uruguay grabbed the 32nd and final berth.

France squeezed into the finals after a contentious late goal from William Gallas despite failing to beat Ireland in Paris.

France progressed after a 1-1 draw with Ireland gave the 2006 finalists a 2-1 aggregate victory but they needed Gallas's close-range goal - after a blatant Thierry Henry handball in the build-up -- to win the tie.

France fell behind to a battling Irish side who scored through skipper Robbie Keane after 33 minutes.

They only equalised 13 minutes into extra time when Gallas scored, helped by Henry controlling the ball with his hand in the penalty area and then crossing for the defender to bundle home.

The ball bounced off my hand, the referee did not see it and I played on, Henry told reporters. It doesn't change anything to the fact that I'm happy we have qualified.

RUSSIA PUNISHED

Unlike Ireland, Slovenia managed to clinch an upset by knocking out Russia who paid a heavy price for not wrapping up the first leg on Saturday when they allowed Slovenia a late goal in a 2-1 win.

Russia's late lapse proved costly in Maribor as Zlatko Dedic scored the only goal just before the break.

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