Ukraine first to make it through

DESPITE being held to a 1-1 draw in Georgia on Saturday, Ukraine became the first European nation to qualify for the next year’s World Cup.

The former Soviet republic can now start to prepare for the tournament proper, a luxury the Netherlands are close to enjoying after beating Armenia 1-0. The result takes Marco van Basten's side four points clear of the Czech Republic, who fell to a shock 2-0 defeat in Romania.

It took a goal from Ruud van Nistelrooy to give the Dutch a precious 1-0 victory over Armenia, while Finland struggled in Andorra and could only come away with a goalless draw.