The Netherlands and Italy became the first two sides from Europe to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, while Germany and Switzerland took major steps towards booking their own flights to the promised land.
England now have their destiny in their own control after playing out a turgid 0-0 draw at Ukraine, while France moved equal on points with Spain in Group I, albeit having played a game more, following their 4-2 win over Belarus - a double from Franck Ribery helping out Didier Deschamps' goal shy side..
It was far from a cakewalk for Italy as they had to come from a goal behind against the Czech Republic to book their place in Brazil.
New Aston Villa striker Libor Kozak gave the Czech Republic the lead after 19 minutes, before Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini levelled things just after halftime, after Chelsea stalwart Petr Cech failed to deal with a corner with his usual authority.
The 2006 World Cup winners were 2-1 up soon after courtesy a Mario Balotelli penalty, given away by a rash challenge from Theodore Gebre Selassie, before the Czech's night was compounded by the sending off of Daniel Kolar right at the death.
The Group D winners are also decided with Manchester United forward Robin Van Persie scoring both the goals for Holland in a 2-0 win over Andorra.
The Dutch have 22 points from eight games, six ahead of second-placed Hungary, with Turkey, who beat Romania 2-0, in third on 13 points.
Germany also have the same amount of points as the Netherlands, but have not quite qualified yet from Group C. Arsenal pair Per Mertesacker and Mesut Ozil got on the scoresheet along with Thomas Muller in a comfortable 3-0 win over the Faroe Islands, and another win next month will see Germany seal their place in Brazil.
Sweden took a big step towards finishing second behind Germany with a 1-0 win at Kazakhstan, thanks to a goal from their talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic after just 27 seconds.
Austria are three points behind Sweden after David Alaba gave his side a 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland, who are now pretty much out of the running for a playoff place.
Switzerland are also on the brink of qualification following their 2-0 win over Norway in Group E, with Iceland in second courtesy their 2-1 result over Albania.
England are in pole position in Group H, after a strong defence held out the Ukraine rush. Roy Hodgson's men can now seal their place in Europe if they win their final two games against Poland and Montenegro.
England lead the group by a point from Ukraine and Montenegro, who were inactive on Tuesday.
