HAUNTING RESULT

The Poles may be out of contention in fourth place, but their arrival in London for the group finale is pregnant with memories that have haunted English soccer for 40 years.

Although they have beaten England only once in 18 matches over 47 years, it is the night Poland drew 1-1 at Wembley in October, 1973, that revives nightmares.

That defiant draw carried Poland through, for the first time since 1938, to finish third in the 1974 finals, but eliminated Alf Ramsey's England.

England cannot afford another draw, or defeat, because Ukraine should win well in San Marino.

While England are just one win from their 14th finals, Bosnia will qualify for the first time if they win in Lithuania and force Greece into the playoffs.

The two are level on 22 points at the top of Group G and, with Greece at home to winless Liechtenstein, Bosnia know only a victory will do.

There are plenty of other issues to settle in Europe with nine countries aiming to finish second in their groups.

Only the eight best runners-up will take part in next month's playoffs.

Those striving to qualify by this route include Iceland, who have never been to the finals, but will go into the playoffs as runners-up to Switzerland in Group E if their result in Norway, is equal to, or better than, Slovenia's against the already-qualified Swiss.

Beyond Europe, Ecuador and Chile look set to qualify from the South American zone, joining already-qualified Argentina and Colombia in making the relatively short trip to Brazil.

South American champions Uruguay, in fifth place in the group, look set for a playoff against Asia's fifth best team Jordan next month.

The United States and Costa Rica have alrready qualified from the CONCACAF zone while Honduras look set to seal the third spot on Tuesday, when they visit Jamaica.

That would leave Mexico needing to beat Oceania winners New Zealand to make it to Brazil.