Belarus 'have to continue dreaming'Bernd Stange's goal for his first full campaign in charge of Belarus was clear: to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. But they fell short and the German coach and Aleksandr Hleb are among those asking why.
Hašek passes Czech mantle to Bílek Michal Bílek has stepped up to become coach of the Czech Republic, with his predecessor and former team-mate Ivan Hašek returning to his role as president of the national football association.
France face Ireland in play-offsFrance must overcome the Republic of Ireland if they wish to win a second FIFA World Cup next summer while the draw for next month's play-offs also paired Portugal with Bosnia-Herzegovina.
World Cup picture comes into focusSwitzerland and Slovakia sealed Europe's two undecided automatic berths for next summer's FIFA World Cup in South Africa, while the identities of the remaining play-off contenders were also finalised.
Slovakia celebrate in the Chorzow snowPoland 0-1 Slovakia"I love these boys," said coach Vladimír Weiss after an early goal in snowy Chorzow sent his side to their first major final tournament.
Switzerland seal World Cup spotSwitzerland 0-0 IsraelOttmar Hitzfeld admitted to late nerves as the Nati claimed the point they needed to qualify for their fourth major finals in a row.