Football Corner

The World Cup qualifier play-offs were on last night and here is a round up of all three of the games. Spain have all but guarenteed their place in the tournament next year when they won their first leg match 5-1 at home to Slovakia. Xavi set up Garcia for his first two goals, but Szilard Nemeth pulled one back following Garcia's mistake. Spain resumed control when Fernando Torres scored from the spot and Marian Had was sent off for his protests. Garcia then completed his hat-trick and substitute Fernando Morientes wrapped up an emphatic win with a late header.

Switzerland claimed a 2-0 after their first leg clash with Turkey. Goals in from Arsenal central defender Philippe Senderos and Lazio midfielder Valon Behrami sealed the victory. Senderos got the Swiss on their way with a perfectly timed header from a free-kick just before the break. Substitute Behrami gave the Turks a mountain to climb when he struck a second with only four minutes left.

Czech Republic have a slender lead going into their second leg match with Norway next week. The match also marked Czech star Pavel Nedved's international comeback. Smicer rounded off a sweeping move by heading home a Karel Poborsky cross for the only goal of the game. Norway managed only a few long-range shots and rarely threatened, leaving the Czechs in a strong position ahead of Wednesday's second leg in Prague.

I would say at this stage that all the three teams that won last night will go through. Slovakia are definetly out, Norway have to travel to the Czechs and at least score one goal and Turkey are the only ones I think have a slight hope.