Two bizarre own goals allowed defending champions Italy to edge closer to the World Cup finals yesterday, but Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal were left clinging for survival.
Italy saw off Georgia 2-0 in Tbilisi to stay a point ahead of the Republic of Ireland in Group Eight thanks to a pair of own-goals from Milan defender Kakha Kaladze. The Irish defeated Cyprus 2-1 in Nicosia thanks to a late strike from Robbie Keane.
Italy coach Marcello Lippi claimed his team deserved their luck.
"Georgia sparkled at the beginning but we controlled them very well. Then in the second half we deserved the luck we had with the goals," he said.
"Tonight there were two (own goals) because they were caused by attacking play. It was quite lucky but that happens when you often attack your opponents' goal."
Portugal, who were semi-finalists in 2006, still face shock elimination despite Brazilian-born striker Leidson marking his debut with a headed equaliser three minutes from time against Denmark in Copenhagen.
Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner had volleyed Group One leaders Denmark ahead in the first half.
The result may still not be enough to ensure Portugal, coached by former Manchester United assistant boss Carlos Queiroz, make the 2010 finals in South Africa.
They have slumped to fourth place, seven points behind Denmark, three behind Hungary and two less than Sweden who won 2-1 against the Hungarians in Budapest. All four have three games left to play.
Sweden were indebted to a winner by Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic in injury-time for their 2-1 win in Hungary.
Russia and Scotland kept their World Cup hopes on track.
Russia edged minnows Liechtenstein 3-0 in St Petersburg in Group Four to move just a point behind leaders Germany, who they meet in Moscow on October 10.
In Glasgow, Scotland grabbed a 2-0 win over Macedonia courtesy of Scott Brown's first international goal and a superb solo effort from James McFadden.
France stumble
France did their hopes few favours after being held to a 1-1 home draw by Romania yesterday.
The former world champions have 14 points from seven matches, four behind leaders Serbia. The two teams now meet in Belgrade on Wednesday, with only the group winners certain to qualify.
France wasted several opportunities before captain Thierry Henry put them ahead three minutes into the second half, nodding a William Gallas header into the net from close range.
The visitors levelled on 54 minutes when defender Julien Escude deflected a cross into his own goal to leave France facing the prospect of finishing second in the group, which would mean a likely playoff place.