Italy and the Netherlands became the first European nations to clinch qualification for the 2014 World Cup finals with victories on a busy night of action on Tuesday.
Another of the continent's most famous names, Germany, are also now on the brink of qualification, as are Switzerland, while Russia and England ensured that their destinies remain in their own hands.
The only World Cup finals Italy have missed remain the 1958 finals in Sweden, and Cesare Prandelli's side knew that a win against the Czech Republic in Turin would confirm their participation in a 14th consecutive finals.
However, they had to overcome a scare in the Juventus Stadium before sealing first place in Group B with two games to spare.
Libor Kozak gave the Czechs the lead in the first half before Giorgio Chiellini netted a 51st-minute equaliser and AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli struck the winner from the penalty spot.
"We've qualified and we're really satisfied," said Prandelli, who is said to be preparing to resign from his post after next summer's showpiece.
The Czechs' defeat means that Bulgaria and Denmark are now best placed to contest second spot in the section and coach Michal Bilak tendered his resignation after the game.
The Netherlands, beaten finalists in South Africa in 2010 as well as the last time the World Cup was staged in South America, in Argentina in 1978, have struggled in this month's qualifying double header.
But a scrambled 2-2 draw in Estonia coupled with a 2-0 win in Andorra on Tuesday proved enough for them to win Group D with two matches to spare.
