The international break produced a few weekend surprises, although perhaps least surprising was the Brazilian ease of victory against a second string Three Lions in Doha.
Aston Villa midfielder James Milner was the only Englishman to come out of the game with any real credit, and he will surely find himself on the plane to South Africa this summer.
Villains team-mate John Carew also gets a start for the GMF side, earning his place up-front after scoring the only goal for Norway in the 1-0 win away at Switzerland.
Chelsea forward Nicolas Anelka will partner Carew in the striking positions, scoring the weekend winner in the 1-0 win against Ireland. True, it took a deflection, but the goal has put France's foot in the World Cup door.
Arsenal pair Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas meet up again at centre back after dominant performances for France and Belgium respectively.
Gallas managed to contain Robbie Keane for most of the evening, while Vermaelen scored for Belgium in the 3-0 win over Hungary.
His compatriot and afro-haired friend, Marouane Fellaini, starts in midfield after scoring the opener in the same game.
Russian midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov joins his Everton colleague after a brace for Russia in the 2-1 World Cup qualifying win over Slovenia.
Chelsea and Manchester United have players in the full back positions, with Paulo Ferreira producing an accomplished display for Portugal in the World Cup qualifying win over Bosnia.
Patrice Evra slots in at left back after his impressive performance at Croke Park, and he will need to back that up in the second leg on Wednesday night.
Finally, two proud Welshman make the grade after a fine weekend in Cardiff. Wolves keeper Wayne Hennessey has a clean sheet to go with the morale boosting victory, while Arsenal youngster Aaron Ramsey stole the show for the Red Dragon. If we had a captain's armband, it would go to the kid!
Team: Wayne Hennessey; Paulo Ferreira; William Gallas; Thomas Vermaelen; Patrice Evra; Diniyar Bilyaletdinov; Aaron Ramsey; Marouane Fellaini; James Milner; Nicolas Anelka; John Carew.
