We bring a collection of the best photographs from across the world shot in recent days.
France face a severe test of their resolve in Dublin on Saturday when Raymond Domenech's under-achieving side take on Ireland in the first leg of their World Cup playoff at what will be a raucous Croke Park, while Portugal will be without the services of injured Cristiano Ronaldo.
France, Portugal and Russia all moved closer to next year's World Cup finals with first leg playoff wins on Saturday, although none of them did enough to take victory for granted in the second legs next week.
