Italy 2-0 Scotland: Andrea Pirlo puts Italy ahead at the San Siro with a drilled free-kick in the 35th minute

Scotland suffer another setback shortly after the goal when keeper Rab Douglas goes off injured

David Weir gets the better of Italy's Alberto Gilardino in the air as Scotland try to battle their way back into the match

But Pirlo hits the net with another glorious free-kick and Walter Smith's first match as Scotland boss ends in defeat

Israel 1-1 Republic of Ireland: Clinton Morrison gives the Republic an early lead at the Ramat Gan Stadium

But Brian Kerr's team miss chances to score a second and are denied a victory by substitute Abas Suan's last-minute goal

Wales 0-2 Austria: Wales captain Ryan Giggs prepares to lead his side into battle at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium

Striker John Hartson throws himself at the ball as Wales put the Austrians under pressure

Wales' Sam Ricketts bursts past Martin Stranzl as Toshack's men push forward in search of a goal

But the Austrians break the deadlock - Gabbidon's last-ditch challenge fails to stop Ivica Vastic scoring in the 82nd minute

Stranzl then pounces after a defensive mix-up to score - and virtually end Wales' hopes of reaching the World Cup