Oceania
Mark Schwarzer and Mark Viduka helped the Socceroos to a crushing 7-0 win over the Solomon Islands, a victory that all-but seals their play-off place against South American opponents.
Viduka was captain for the game as he grabbed two first half goals in Sydney. Schwarzer was a spectator for much of the time in a very one-sided game.
The Socceroos were 3-0 up at he break and ran in four more goals, after the Solomon Islands werereduced to ten men early in the second half.
Europe
Emanuel Pogatetz played in Austria's 3-2 defeat against Poland, which allowed the Poles to jump back to the top of Group 6, ahead of England, who had beaten Wales 1-0 earlier in the day.
The Austrians were always playing catch-up as Poland took control, with two goals in the first quarter of the game. Austria pulled one back early in the second half but the Poles soon restored their two goal advantage. A second goal ten minutes from time was not enough for Austria as Poland hung on to win.
Africa
Yakubu was an unused substitute as Nigeria beat Algeria, 5-2 in a match that saw both teams end with ten men. Nigeria are now level on points with Angola, at the top of Group 4. They must do better than Angola in the last round of matches next month to qualify. Nigeria play Zimbabwe while Angola face bottom of the table Rwanda.
Joseph-Desire Job's was not in the Cameroon squad that much improved their chances of qualifying for the finals next year, by beating the Ivory Coast 3-2 in Group 3. They must win their final game against Egypt next month to qualify.