Group D: Thirteen years after Czechoslovakia's so-called "Velvet Divorce", in which the country split into two, Slovakia play host to the Czech Republic in Group D. The Czechs beat Slovakia 4-1 in a 2002 friendly.

The Slovaks, who were 6-1 winners over Cyprus on Saturday, will have to keep a closer watch on Czech newcomer David Lafata than Wales did. The striker scored within seconds of making his debut as a substitute to put his team ahead before going on to score an 89th-minute winner after the Welsh had equalised.

Slovakia have reason to feel positive having won their opening qualifier emphatically at home to Cyprus. "We played very well, but in front of a modest crowd," said coach Dusan Galis. "I hope this result will awaken public interest, meaning a full house against the Czech Republic to create a proper football atmosphere."

Midfielder Marek Mintal, back after long-term injury, sounded cautious ahead of the clash. "Six goals were the best warm-up for Wednesday, but we must be careful," he said. "The Czechs are in a totally different footballing bracket to Cyprus."

While Slovakia were brushing aside Cyprus, the Czechs scraped a 2-1 home win against Wales and their defender David Rozehnal is certainly aware that his team - traditionally the stronger of the two nations - cannot expect an easy ride. "Slovakia's six goals are a warning for us," he said. "This game will be harder than the one against Wales but we are in a good mood now. We were under huge pressure before the kick-off but we coped very well."

World Cup hosts Germany, who edged the Republic of Ireland 1-0 with a deflected Lukas Podolski free kick in Stuttgart, will have a much easier time against San Marino in Group D. Striker Miroslav Klose, top scorer at the World Cup with five goals, could get as many in a single game against the tiny principality.