With European Zone Group 3 leaders Portugal drawing 0-0 with third placed Russia, in Moscow this evening, and second placed Slovakia only managing a 1-1 draw away to Latvia, the Portuguese have maintained their five point lead, and look certain to book their qualification to 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany.

They face two relatively straightforward home games against Liechtenstein and Latvia next month, from which they only have to garner one point.

Portugal took home the result they wanted in a game that was more notable for cards than goals, Chelsea's Alexei Smertin was sent off after 39 minutes and the Russian’s held out for the draw.

In Riga, Slovakia missed their opportunity to gain on the Portuguese, when a Laizans equaliser in the 74th minute cancelled out the 35th minute opener for Slovakia, scored by Vittek.

The only thing to fight for in this group now is second place, Portugal have qualified in all but name, it’s between Slovakia and Russia for the play-off place in October.

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