France snatch World Cup berth
(China Daily)
Updated: 2005-10-14 06:11

Norway consolidated their second place with a 1-0 win at Belarus.

In Group Three, winners Portugal wrapped up their unbeaten campaign with a 3-0 win over Latvia in Oporto, while Slovakia took the play-off place after drawing with Russia 0-0.

Striker Pedro Pauleta scored twice for Portugal to become his side's all-time top scorer.

The two goals came within two minutes of each other during the first half and brought the Paris St Germain player's tally to 42 from 77 appearances.

The record was previously held by legendary Benfica striker Eusebio who had 41 goals from 64 games for the national team.

Wednesday's European action meant that hosts Germany will be joined by automatic qualifiers Ukraine, Netherlands, Poland, England, Croatia, Italy, Portugal, France, Sweden and Serbia-Montenegro.

Turkey, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Switzerland, Norway and Spain will compete in the playoffs for the final three places.