Russia shrugged off the speculation surrounding coach Fabio Capello's future to record a 2-1 away win in Hungary with goals from Sergei Ignashevich and Alexsandr Kerzhakov.
Robbie Brady scored twice as late goals added a gloss to the Republic of Ireland's 4-1 win over the United States. Mix Diskerud cancelled out Anthony Pilkington's opener before Brady restored the home side's lead ten minutes into the second half.
James McClean and Brady then scored in the final ten minutes. Fabian Frei scored in the 87th minute to earn Switzerland a 2-2 draw with the ten men of Poland, who had Michal Zyro sent off.
