With more World Cup qualifying fixtures coming up this Wednesday, here is a look at the games in the European qualifying groups that are being played this week...

(All times BST)

Group 1.
19.00 FYR Macedonia V Finland
19.30 Romania V Andorra

Finland, in fourth position in Group 1, and with their two game advantage over FYR Macedonia, will hope to take the game to the 5th placed Macedonians, but with only 9 points, and five qualifying games to go, along with a twelve point gap between them and second placed Czech Republic, it may well prove to be pointless for both teams involved.

Macedonia is already out of the running to achieve a place in the upcoming finals in Germany next summer, so it is more a question of pride that is being played for. For Finland, while there is still the faintest glimmer of a place in the play-offs, this is the only chance for them to maintain their hopes of qualification.

Romania on the other hand, have an easy encounter at home to International football minnows Andorra, in what should be a routine victory, and a chance to increase their goal tally.

Currently in 3rd position with 16 points, Romania will have a chance to close the gap between them and second placed Czech Republic. The Czech Republic currently have 21 points, one behind top-of-the-table Netherlands, but both have played only eight of their twelve qualifying matches, one less than Romania, so a clear win is necessary for the Romanians.

Group 3.
16.00 Latvia V Russia
19.15 Liechtenstein V Slovakia

Slovakia have the perfect opportunity to close in on Group 3 rivals Portugal who currently top the table with 20 points, but a win by five goals or more will see them take top-spot in Group 3 equalling Portugal's points, but with a greater goal difference.

Russia and Latvia both still have something to say in this group, and their encounter will be a fiery affair. With only one point between them there is still all to play for in the chase for second spot, and a play-off place.

Russia are currently on 14 points, with seven games played, and Latvia on 13 points and 8 games played, so the Latvians will be hoping for their home advantage to come into play to keep their World Cup 2006 qualifying campaign on track, but the Russians are very used to hostile playing environments, and will be focused on the game.

Group 4.
19.00 Faroe Islands V Cyprus

With both teams languishing at the bottom of Group 4, with only a point apiece, (gained in the 2-2 draw in their previous encounter), this is a true meeting of World Cup ever hopefuls. The Cypriots will not relish the long trip North to the Faroe Islands, so the advantage would seem to be with the home side.

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