World Cup Qualifying Europe - England, Germany, Spain Grab Wins

South Africa 2010 Qualifying is hitting its stride in Europe as the 9 groups are starting to shake out a bit.  England, Spain and Germany grabbed big wins on the weekend while Italy, Croatia and France were all held to draws.

Group 1 - Denmark 7, Sweden 5, Portugal 4
Denmark moved to the top of the group after a win over Malta.  Sweden and Portugal are just behind as the two teams played to a scoreless draw in Sweden.

Group 2 - Greece 9, Israel 7, Switzerland 4
Greece remained perfect as they won at Moldova. Israel kept pace by winning in Luxembourg and Switzerland won at home over Latvia.  Switzerland travels to Greece midweek for a hige game that could put the Swiss' World Cup hopes in a bad way if they lose.

Group 3 - Poland 7, Slovenia 7, Slovakia 6
The big news in this group is not the top 3, but that the Czech Republic is sitting well behind after losing in Poland today.  The Czech's next face a huge midweek game at home with Slovenia that could help get them back in the picture.  A loss or draw midweek and they are in big trouble.

Group 4 - Germany 7, Wales 6, Finland 4
Germany tops the group after defeating Russia today 2-1. The Russians will look to get back into the group with a midweek home match with Finland.  A win is almost a must for Russia.  Germany hosts Wales midweek with a chance to open a gap in the group.

Group 5 - Spain 9, Belgium 7, Turkey 7
Spain are perfect thru 3 matches as they dispatched Estonia today.  Belgium and Turkey kept pace with wins also.  A huge midweek game looms as Belgium hosts Spain on Wednesday.

Group 6 - England 9, Ukraine 7, Croatia 4
England rebounded from a scoreless first half to notch 5 second half goals in a win over Kazakhstan today.  They were helped out as Croatia and Ukraine played to a 0-0 draw in the Ukraine. England travels to Belarus Wednesday.

Group 7 - Serbia 6, Lithuania 6, France 4
France sits two points back after they were held 2-2 in Romania today. 

Group 8 - Italy 7, Ireland 4
The group got some hope today as Italy were held to a draw in Bulgaria.  The draw leaves Ireland in striking distance.

Group 9 - Holland 6, Scotland 4
Holland has the weekend off and still leads the group.  Scotland and Norway played to a 0-0 draw.  Holland plays at Norway midweek.