Italy beat Slovenia 1-0 to qualify for the Euro 2012 finals, while Northern Ireland suffered a heavy defeat in Estonia.
Italy remain in control of Group C after a narrow success away to the Faroe Islands while Estonia stunned Slovenia away.
Italy grabbed a 2-1 win over world and European champions Spain in Bari.
The seedings ahead of the World Cup draw on Saturday have been confirmed.
Leaders Italy won again to remain five points clear, while Slovenia strengthened their hold on second place.
Northern Ireland played out a goalless stalemate with Slovenia at Windsor Park to maintain their Group C hopes.
A packed programme of international fixtures saw a number of sides in action on Wednesday.
Italy remained on course to qualify for Euro 2012 after their goalless draw against Northern Ireland.
Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek has named his 23-man squad for the country's upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers.
Italy saw off the Faroe Islands in comprehensive style to stay top and Serbia snatched a point off Slovenia.
Italy survived a scare as they came from a goal down against Estonia in Euro 2012 qualifying, while Serbia won.
Northern Ireland are hoping to set the tone for their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign with a win in Slovenia.
Craig Cathcart has earned a recall to the Northern Ireland squad for their opening Euro 2012 qualifier.
Dick Advocaat got off to the perfect start as Russia's coach on Wednesday as his side edged out Bulgaria.
Slovenia's Valter Birsa was left reeling after defeat to England sent his team out of the World Cup.
Matjaz Kek hopes England go on to win the World Cup despite dumping Slovenia out of the tournament.
England's World Cup is up and running after two false starts. Chris Harvey saw them get their mojo back.
England produced a vastly improved performance to beat Slovenia 1-0 and progress to the last 16 as Group C runners-up.
England go into their final group game against Slovenia knowing victory is essential to their World Cup dreams.
Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek has piled the pressure on England ahead of their World Cup showdown.