Portugal's turnaround almost complete

LONDON: Portugal look likely to complete a remarkable World Cup recovery as a home victory over Malta on Wednesday will secure them a place in the playoffs for the 2010 finals that looked way beyond their reach a few months ago.

Switzerland and Slovakia look set to secure the two remaining automatic European slots while there are also four playoff berths up for grabs on the final night of qualifying.

Most of Europe's big guns are already booking their accommodation in South Africa, though France still have to run the gauntlet of the now-seeded November playoffs.