2010 FIFA World Cup Betting Tips, Picks and Odds: European World Cup Qualifying: Three more gain finals places

France, Serbia and Montenegro and Sweden qualified for the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany, the first two as winners of their respective groups and the Swedes as one of the best two runners-up in the European Zone.

France's 4-0 home win over Cyprus lifted them to the top of Group 4 after they had started the day in third place behind Israel and Switzerland. Zinedine Zidane, Sylvain Wiltord, Vikash Dhorasoo and Ludovic Giuly got the goals that brought a happy conclusion to an often-fraught qualifying campaign for the French.

Mateja Kezman scored the only goal in Belgrade as Serbia and Montenegro defeated neighbours Bosnia-Herzegovina to seal first place in Group 7, finishing two points ahead of a Spain side who beat San Marino 6-0.

Sweden, meanwhile, came from behind to beat Iceland 3-1 and ensure their progress as one of the best two runners-up. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrik Larsson and Kim Kallstrom all scored as Sweden finished level on 24 points with Group 8 winners Croatia, who were held 0-0 by Hungary in Budapest. The Croatians topped the group because of their two victories over the Swedes in head-to-head meetings.

Poland were the other best runner-up, finishing a point behind England in Group 6 after going down 2-1 to Sven-Goran Eriksson's side in Manchester. Poland and England were already safe in Group 6, but Eriksson's charges earned the bragging rights after a win over their rivals. Michael Owen and Frank Lampard struck the goals that meant England won the group, with the Poles finishing a point behind on 24 points and securing their spot as one of the two best second-placed teams.