Russia stayed on Germany's heels with a 3-0 win over Liechtenstein.

First-half goals from defender Vasili Berezutski (17th minute) and two penalties from Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko (40 and 45) made sure of the victory in St Petersburg.

Guus Hiddink's side moves to within a point of Group 4 leaders Germany (19 points), who were not in World Cup qualifying action.

Finland stayed in with an outside qualifying chance by coming from behind to defeat Azerbaijan 2-1.

On Wednesday, Germany are at home to Azerbaijan, who have no chance of qualifying, while Russia are at Wales and Finland visit bottom side Liechtenstein.

Goals from Scott Brown and James McFadden gave Scotland a 2-0 win over Macedonia in Glasgow to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Brown opened the scoring at Hampden Park in the 56th minute and McFadden made sure of the victory 10 minutes from time with a solo run after winning the ball in midfield.

Scotland now face already-qualified Netherlands Wednesday in their quest for a play-off place in Group 9.

The Dutch lead the group on 21 points, followed by Scotland (10), Macedonia (7) and Norway (7) who drew 1-1 in Iceland (5).

In Group 6, Ukraine enjoyed a 5-0 win over Andorra while Croatia edged Belarus thanks to a first-half goal from Ivan Rakitic.

England - not in World Cup action - lead the group on 21 points, four ahead of Croatia, with Ukraine three points further behind.

Switzerland improved their chances by downing Group 2 rivals Greece thanks to late goals from Stephane Grichting (83) and Marco Padalino (88).

The win moves Ottmar Hitzfeld's side top on 16 points, while Greece are level on 13 with Latvia who edged Israel 1-0.

Group 3 stays tight after leaders Slovakia were held 2-2 by Czech Republic whose hopes of qualifying are dwindling, while Poland and Northern Ireland finished a goal apiece.

Slovakia lead on 16 points, with Northern Ireland on 14, Poland and Slovenia on 11 and Czech Republic on 9.