Time for Sudden Death

The 2006 World Cup qualifiers head into the last round of matches over the next four days, with 22 of the 32 slots still up for grabs. Here...

The 2006 World Cup qualifiers head into the last round of matches over the next four days, with 22 of the 32 slots still up for grabs. Here8217;s a look at what could happen

A World Cup minus Beckham, owen lampard?

Failure to beat the Austrians tomorrow will hand a qualifying spot to the Poles as group winners and may leave England facing the lottery of the runners-up playoffs. And if things don8217;t go as plan it will be World Cup minus Beckham, Rooney, Owen, Lampard8230; a real blow for EPL.

Another world champ in trouble

If Uruguay retain their current 5th spot in the South American group they can hope to travel to Germany by beating Australia in play-offs. But it is a tough task considering Chile and Colombia are in pursuit and Uruguay first play Ecuador and Argentina.

Could we have the next Milla?

With Ghana, Angola, Togo and Ivory Coast just a game away from the World Cup final, 2006 might finally see the next big star from a small African nation. Ghana8217;s Michael Essien, who moved from Lyon to Chelsea for 54.5 million can do the trick. Other star likely to make a mark is Didier Drogba from Ivory Coast.

Total World Cup slots:32
Already qualified: 10
Mexico, Germany, Ukraine, Argentina, Brazil, USA, Japan, Iran, South Korea and Saudi Arabia
The main battles are in Europe and Africa, with most of the berths open, and some big reputations on the line.

Portugal, Holland and Italy are expected to be there

Cristiano Ronaldo, Van Nistelrooy or Maldini will certainly be there considering that Holland, Portugal and Italy just need to avoid defeat to make it to Germany

Please welcome Serbia-Montenegro

In a group that has World Cup regulars like Spain and Belgium, Serbia-Montenegro enjoy a two point lead at the top. Qualification looks a certainty and that means a tougher time for Spain, who play Belgium tomorrow.

Bird8217;s eye view for Super Eagles

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Nigeria are still far away from qualifying for Germany. They need to beat Zimbabwe at home, which they might, and hope Angola go down to Rwanda.

French too are in a spot

Zidane is back but Trezeguet and Henry are out. They need to beat Switzerland tomorrow to top the group. But Israel, Ireland and the Swiss could make this a photo finish.