October 27, 2009

WORLD CUP PLAYOFF
Costa Rica to face Uruguay home and home for trip to South Africa
Both Games Live in Pay-Per-View

HOBOKEN, NJ---Costa Rica and Uruguay both get another chance at qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, when they face off in a home and home total goals series on November 14 and November 18. The broadcast of both games is being distributed by Integrated Sports in the United States and Canada for live viewing on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN, Viewer’s Choice and Bell TV for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.

The first leg of the playoff will be held in Costa Rica. Kickoff is at 9pm ET, the second leg on November 18 in Uruguay, kicks off at 6:00 pm ET. Venues for the games have not been announced yet.

Costa Rica was forced into the playoff to qualify after finishing fourth in CONCACAF Qualifying, behind the United States, Mexico and Honduras.

The Ticos were relegated to the playoff after the United States stunned them, coming from behind for a 2-2 tie on the final night of qualifying. A Costa Rica win in Washington D.C., that night would have assured them a spot in the World Cup, but with the emotional draw that made U.S. defender Jonathan Bornstein a national hero in Honduras, the Ticos finished with 16 points, the same as Honduras, but relegated to the playoff because of tie breakers.

Uruguay finished fifth in South American qualifying, behind Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Argentina.
Uruguay also had its hopes for a direct path to South Africa dashed on the final night of qualifying, when they lost to Argentina, who leap- frogged them in the standings.

Uruguay has faced a playoff situation during qualifying for the last two World Cups. In 2001, they advanced to Korea/Japan with a win over Australia, while four years later, it was the Soceroos who prevailed, advancing to Germany after winning via penalty kicks.

“We can do it. Nobody likes being in this position but we've been there before and know how to approach it,” said striker Diego Forlan, who was part of both previous World Cup qualifying efforts. "What really matters is that our fate's still in our hands,” said the Real Madrid star.