Having raced into a 2-0 lead, they contrived to give away a point, but can still book their flights to the Ukraine or Poland next year.
France on the other hand, must wait to qualify despite a 3-0 win at home to Albania. They face Bosnia, who are just a point behind, but will have a tough task to win in Paris. Holland, Germany and Spain all kept up 100% records in qualifying in their groups. Holland won 1-0 at home to Moldova, and go into their final game at Sweden, knowing their opponents need a win to finish as the best runner up and go into Euro 2012.
Spain beat the Czech Republic 2-0 away. The Czechs can still qualify and are set to finish second barring a miraculous Scottish performance in Spain.
Germany hit Turkish hopes of qualification with a 3-1 away win. Turkey will hope to finish second in the group if they can beat Azerbaijan at home. But if Belgium pull off a shock win in Germany, Turkish hopes will be scuppered. If Turkey do go through, they could face Armenia in a tense match given that the Turks still refuse to apologise for the ruthless genocide of a million Armenians during the First World War.
Armenia go to the Republic of Ireland knowing they must win to finish second, but if Ireland can win or draw, they will be guaranteed a play off spot. Winning the group is not impossible, but would need Russia to lose at home to minnows Andorra.
Greece go to Georgia needing a win or draw to qualify after a 2-0 win at home to Croatia, who are set to finish second in the group. Estonia could gain their first ever play off place if Serbia lose to Slovenia following a 2-1 win against Northern Ireland.
But perhaps the most intriguing midweek match is Portugal v Denmark, after the Portuguese beat Iceland 5-3 at home and Denmark won 4-1 at Cyprus. Portugal are top on head to heads ahead of Denmark, but a defeat would send the Danes through. Portugal could miss out completely if they lose and Norway win their home clash with Norway.
In South America, World Cup 2014 qualifying got off to a great start with Copa America winners Uruguay’s entertaining 4-2 win at home to Bolivia. For Argentina, Alejandro Sabella got off to a stunning competitive start with a 4-1 win at home to Chile owing largely to their Real Madrid-Barcelona axis. Gonzalo Higuain combined well with Angel di Maria to get a hat trick whilst Lionel Messi ended a 16 match dry spell at international level with the fourth.
Peru continued their fine Copa America form, where they came third, to beat Paraguay 2-0 at home, and Ecuador beat Copa America semi finalists Venezuela by the same score.
