Fight for destination Germany

Norway take on the Czech Republic in Oslo hoping to rekindle the spirit of ’98 when they stunned Brazil 2-1 in the first round of the World Cup in France.

And in Saturday’s other European play-off Turkey, third in the 2002 World Cup, take on Switzerland in Bern with major fitness doubts hanging over striker Hasan Sas and defender Tolga Seyhan.

Spain have played in every World Cup since 1978 and Reyes for one believes his country’s strikeforce is up to toppling Slovakia.

Slovakia could be without their captain, Miroslav Karhan, and defender Martin Skrtel, both of whom are injured.

“The situation for both players does not look good,” admitted coach Dusan Galis.

“The medical tests didn’t go well and I can’t decide whether they’ll play yet.”

Norway will be rated underdogs against the Czechs who are rated the fourth best team in the world in FIFA’s rankings and come into the play-off as firm favourites. Yet Norway midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen smells an upset in the Oslo air.

“It’s two big games against the Czech Republic but we have beaten big teams before and we will do it again,” the 24-year-old Blackburn Rovers player said.

Turkey take on the Swiss with major fitness doubts hanging over striker Hasan Sas and defender Tolga Seyhan.

Coach Fatih Terim is already resigned to being without Hertha Berlin midfielder Yildiray Basturk and Besiktas midfielder Ibrahim Akin with knee problems.

Tomorrow’s concluding two play-offs feature Australia vs Uruguay in Montevideo and Trinidad and Tobago up against Bahrain in Port-of-Prince.