7 finalists to emerge from World Cup qualifying

TIGHT BATTLE

But Spain are in a tight two-way battle with 1998 world champions France for the automatic qualifying berth from Group I and will only qualify if they avoid defeat to minnows Georgia, in Albacete.

Spain have 17 points and France 14, but if Spain slip to defeat, France would finish top if they beat Finland by enough goals.

While qualification is close for Spain and three other European sides - Russia, Bosnia and England - four rival nations, Portugal, Greece, Ukraine and France, are ready to pounce if they slip up.

Fabio Capello's Russia would have qualified on Friday if Portugal had lost at home to Israel, but a 4-0 win for the Russians over Luxembourg and Portugal's 1-1 draw with Israel means Group F will not be decided until Tuesday.

Russia have 21 points and Portugal 18. Russia will qualify with a win over Azerbaijan, but if they lose and Paulo Bento's Portugal score heavily in beating Luxembourg, the Portuguese could finish first.

In Group H, England lead with 19 points, one more than Ukraine, and Roy Hodgson's men will qualify with a win over Poland at Wembley.