Ukraine became the first European country to earn a spot in the 2006 World Cup. Ukraine played to a 1-1 tie Saturday in World Cup qualifying action in Georgia, but still booked its trip to the finals next summer thanks to Denmark's 2-2 draw against Turkey. Germany, the host country, automatically has a spot in the competition and is not participating in qualifying action. Ukraine, which is now seven points ahead of Turkey in Group 2, is assured to finish atop the standings with just two games left to play. Only the top team in each group and the two best second-place teams earn an automatic spot in the World Cup finals, with the remaining second-place finishers to participate in a playoff. The Netherlands moved closer to clinching a spot Saturday with a 1-0 win over Armenia behind a goal from Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Dutch team, which is unbeaten in the 13 games since Marco van Basten took over as coach, gained ground on the Czech Republic. The Czechs lost 2-0 on the road to Romania. Adrian Mutu scored twice to help the home side move into second place in Group A with 22 points, one head of the Czech Republic. The Netherlands, which now has 25 points with three games left to play, is assured of at least a spot in the playoff. Romania has just one game left to play, while the Czechs have three. Russia moved even on points in Group C with second-place and idle Slovakia Saturday after a 2-0 win over Liechtenstein. Alexander Kerzhakov's brace led the Russian to victory. Group C leaders Portugal had little trouble winning at home against lowly Luxembourg, posting a 6-0 behind two goals apiece by Simao Sabrosa and Pedro Pauleta. Russia badly needs some revenge against Portugal this week to continue its resurgence. Portugal crushed Russia at home earlier in qualifying action, sending the Russians home with an embarrassing 7-1 defeat. Tightly packed Group 4 saw powerful France move even on points atop the table with Switzerland and Ireland after Les Bleus recorded a 3-0 win over the Faroe Islands. Djibril Cisse scored twice for France in the victory. Switzerland and Israel played to a 1-1 draw in Basel in other Group 4 action. Israel is just one point behind the tri-leaders but has played an extra game. The match against Switzerland Saturday was interrupted momentarily by anti- Israeli protestors that found their way onto the field. The Walter Smith era started fairly well when Scotland played to a 1-1 draw at Hampden Park against Italy. The tie keeps the Scots' hopes of qualifying alive, despite just seven points from seven games. Italy, which used a second-half goal from Fabio Grosso to offset an early strike by Scotland's Kenny Miller, is still atop Group 5 with 14 points. Norway, however, closed the gap to two points after a dramatic 3-2 win in Slovenia. Morton Gamst Pedersen scored the game-winner for Norway in the 90th minute. Group 8 saw its top two teams, Poland and England, each record one-goal victories. Joe Cole scored for England in its 1-0 win over Wales. Poland held on for a 3-2 triumph over Austria. The Poles maintained its two-point lead over England, which has played one less game. Serbia & Montenegro moved atop Group 7 with another solid performance in a 2-0 win over Lithuania. The win moved the Serbs past idle Spain with the three points. It has also still not allowed a goal in seven qualifiers. Croatia's 3-1 win in Group 8 kept it ahead of Sweden, which pounded Bulgaria 3-0. Croatia remained one point adrift of the Swedes for first place. Hungary defeated Malta, 4-0, to stay six back of Croatia and five behind Sweden with three games left for each team.