World Cup picture comes into focus

Switzerland and Slovakia secured the two undecided automatic berths for the 2010 FIFA World Cup as the European qualifying groups concluded on Wednesday, while the identities of the four remaining play-off contenders were also finalised.

History made
Seven countries – holders Italy, Denmark, Germany, European champions Spain, Serbia, England and the Netherlands – had already confirmed their places at next summer's finals in South Africa. Switzerland joined them after claiming the point they needed to win Group 2 by drawing 0-0 at home with Israel, sealing their place at a fourth consecutive major final tournament for the first time. Slovakia also made history after a 1-0 victory in Poland cemented them atop Group 3, meaning they qualify for their first major tournament since independence.

Play-offs
Slovakia's triumph consigned Slovenia to the play-offs despite their 3-0 win in San Marino, where they will be joined by Greece, who defeated Luxembourg 2-1 to finish runners-up behind Switzerland. In Group 1, Portugal confirmed second spot with a 4-0 home win against Malta, as did Ukraine in Group 6 following a 6-0 triumph over Andorra. Wednesday's results ended Norway's faint hopes of earning one of the berths after they finished second in the five-team Group 9. November's play-off fixtures will be decided on Monday at FIFA headquarters in Zurich, with four more teams then entering the 4 December draw for the finals in Cape Town.

Automatic qualifiers: Italy, Denmark, Germany, Spain, England, Netherlands, Serbia, Switzerland, Slovakia.

Play-offs: Bosnia-Herzegovina, France, Republic of Ireland, Russia, Portugal, Slovenia, Greece, Ukraine.