World Cup crunch time

Uruguay must beat Argentina to qualify automatically with striker Diego Forlan the main threat after scoring seven goals in 12 qualifiers [AFP]

Tim Howard and the US have already qualified ahead of their match with Costa Rica [AFP]

Costa Rica coach Rene Simoes needs a win to ensure his side aren't pipped to a playoff spot by Honduras [AFP]

Ukraine's win over England puts them a point ahead of Croatia ahead of their match against Andorra in Europe Group Six [AFP]

Croatia warmed up for their tie in Kazakhstan with a friendly against Qatar - but a win won't be enough to reach the playoffs if Ukraine also get three points [AFP]

France's Thierry Henry gets some me-time as he ponders his chances against Austria in Group Seven [AFP]

France can afford to relax as they are already assured of a playoff place behind Serbia [AFP]

Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be watching the World Cup from home after defeat to Denmark left Sweden hoping for favourable results elsewhere [AFP]

Portugal will be without Cristiano Ronaldo and could still lose their Group One playoff place to Sweden if they don't beat Malta [AFP]

Turkish coach Fatih Terim has already resigned after his side missed out on the World Cup against Belgium in Group Five [AFP]

Milan Baros and the Czech Republic are feeling the pressure as they need at least a win against Northern Ireland to reach the playoffs in Group Three [AFP]

Russia's Yuri Zhirkov will want a good result against Azerbaijan in Group Four ahead of the playoffs [AFP]

Algeria must wait until November for their top-of-the-table tie against Egypt in Africa Group C [AFP]

While Nigeria's hopes in Group B were given a boost with a 1-0 win over Mozambique [AFP]

Tunisia will play Mozambique in November to try and pip Nigeria to top spot [AFP]