Group 1
Despite the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal secured a play-off spot with a convincing 4-0 win over Malta. That victory made Sweden's 4-1 victory over Albania meaningless as they finished a point behind Carlos Queiroz's side. Group winners Denmark ended their campaign with a disappointing home defeat to Hungary.
Group 2
Switzerland claimed the point they needed against Israel to book their place in South Africa, although it was hardly a thriller in Basel as the teams played out a goalless draw. Greece headed into the play-offs after their 2-1 victory over Luxembourg ended Latvia's slim hopes of qualifying.
Group 3
Slovakia sealed top spot in the group at the second time of asking with a 1-0 win against managerless Poland to confirm their place in their first ever finals. Nearest rivals Slovenia scored a 3-0 win in San Marino to book a place in the play-offs, while Northern Ireland finished their campaign with a goalless draw in the Czech Republic.
Group 4
With the top two places already confirmed following Germany's 1-0 win over Russia in the penultimate round of games, the final matches proved an anti-climax with Joachim Low's side drawing 1-1 with Finland, while Russia achieved the same result in Azerbaijan - Arsenal's Andrei Arshavin on target for Guus Hiddink's men. Wales ended a disappointing campaign with a 2-0 win over Liechtenstein.
Group 5
The top two met in the final round of games with European champions Spain running out 5-2 winnners in Bosnia to complete a perfect qualifying campaign. Bosnia went into the play-offs despite the loss finishing four points ahead of Turkey who completed their round of games with a 2-0 win over Armenia.
Group 6
Ukraine secured runners-up spot behind England with a convincing 6-0 victory over Andorra in their final game. That win meant Croatia finished in third spot despite a 2-1 win in Kazakhstan. Fabio Capello's men completed their campaign with a 3-0 win over Belarus at Wembley.
Group 7
Serbia celebrated their qualification for South Africa in style by hammering Romania 5-0 in their final qualifying game. France finished a point behind Radi Antic's side after beating Austria 3-1 and headed to the play-offs.
Group 8
World champions Italy were booed off the pitch after they struggled to overcome Cyprus 3-2 in their final group game. That win meant Marcello Lippi's side finished the group six points ahead of nearest challengers Ireland who completed their campaign with a low-key goalless draw against Montenegro.
Group 9
The Netherlands went through qualifying with a 100% record to book their place in South Africa. Norway finished second but failed to gain enough points to secure one of the eight play-off spots. Scotland ended a disappointing campaign in third.
Play-offs
France, Portugal, Greece and Slovenia became the final four teams to qualify from Europe after coming through the play-offs.
Les Bleus were the most fortunate to secure progress after a controverisal goal, in which Thierry Henry appeared to handle the ball, gave them victory over Ireland.
Slovenia booked their place with a shock win over Russia, while Portugal ended Bosnia's hopes and Greece beat Ukraine.
