Portugal look likely to complete a remarkable World Cup recovery when a home victory over Malta on Wednesday will secure them a place in the playoffs for the 2010 finals that looked way beyond their reach a few months ago.
Switzerland and Slovakia look set to secure the two remaining automatic European slots while there are also four playoff berths up for grabs on the final night of qualifying.
Most of Europe's big guns are already booking their accommodation in South Africa, though France still have to run the gauntlet of the now-seeded November playoffs.
While France, runners up in the 2006 final, are disappointed to have finished second behind Serbia, Portugal - the side they beat in the semi-finals three years ago - will be overjoyed to join them in the playoffs. After starting their Group One campaign with a win over Malta they lost at home to Denmark then produced three successive goalless draws - including at home to Albania.
In June they were heading for what would have been another calamitous 1-1 draw in Albania when Bruno Alves popped up with a winner two minutes into injury time.
Defeat away to eventual group winners Denmark also looked on the cards in September until Liedson grabbed an 86th-minute equaliser for a 1-1 draw four minutes from time.
The late goals, coming alongside Sweden and Hungary dropping points, somehow prized the door back open and a 3-0 home win over Hungary last Saturday combined with Sweden's late loss to Denmark completed the unlikely turnaround.
Now, they again have control of their own destiny.
Even without the injured Cristiano Ronaldo it would be unthinkable for Portugal to fail to beat Malta in Guimares.
If it happened though, a draw could let in Sweden, who are at home to Albania, while even Hungary have an outside chance if they win in Denmark.
On paper Group three looks even more congested, with four teams still chasing the top two places. In reality, however, Switzerland, three points clear, should get the point they need at home to Israel to secure automatic qualification while Greece should go into the playoffs with a home win over Luxembourg.
Even if Israel manage to win in Switzerland they would still need Greece to lose or draw while Latvia need to thrash Moldova and pray for an unlikely Luxembourg success.
Slovenia's 2-0 win in Slovakia on Saturday ensured Group Three would go to the wire, although Slovakia still look well placed to reach the finals for the first time.
They are two points clear of Slovenia and visit Poland, who are now out of the running. Slovenia should win at San Marino, which will secure a playoff berth and would send them through automatically if Slovakia fail to win.
Czech Republic must beat Northern Ireland and hope for San Marino to claim an unlikely draw.
Ukraine's 1-0 win over already-qualified England on Saturday leapfrogged them above Croatia in Group Six and another win in Andorra will secure second place.
Croatia, a point behind with an inferior goal difference, must win at Kazakhstan to have any chance.
Image: Cristiano Ronaldo is scheduled to miss Portugal's match against Malta due to injury
