In World Cup qualifiers Norway took advantage of Gary Caldwell's 33rd minute dismissal to sweep Scotland aside 4-0 in Oslo, while Croatia strengthened their claim for a play-off place in England's group with a 3-1 win in Belarus thanks to a brace from Olic and another from Eduardo. Carlos Costly struck twice for the home side as Honduras took a massive step towards the finals by beating group leaders Costa Rica 4-0, and Mexico closed the gap after coming from behind to defeat the USA 2-1 in Mexico City.
In friendly matches 2 goals from Cahill and a late screamer from David Carney condemned Ireland to a 3-0 loss against Australia in Limerick while Guus Hiddink suffered his first home defeat in charge of Russia; as Argentina came from a goal down to win 3-2 in Moscow. Goran Pandev scored twice for Macedonia against Spain but 3 goals in 5 minutes gave the visitors a 3-2 win, and Iran enjoyed the same result away to Bosnia & Herzegovina with 3 late goals cancelling out an earlier brace from Edin Dzeko. Cyprus fell apart in Albania losing 6-1 to their hungry hosts while Turkey brushed Ukraine aside 3-0 in Kiev. Egypt needed a last minute goal in Cairo to draw 3-3 with Guinea, and World Cup hosts South Africa lost 3-1 to their European visitors Serbia. Chile returned from Denmark with a 2-1 win, and Cameroon enjoyed a 2-0 victory in Austria with Pierre Webo netting both goals for the Africans. Saudi Arabia lost 2-1 in Oman while the Czech Republic ran out 3-1 winners at home to Belgium. Luis Fabiano saved Brazil's blushes with the only goal of the match in Estonia, and Uruguay lost 1-0 in Algeria. Ludovik Obraniak scored both goals for Poland against Greece, and Venezuela overcame Colombia 2-1 in New York.