World champions Germany kept hold of top spot in Group D and moved to the verge of Euro 2016 qualification with a 3-2 defeat of a spirited Scotland side at Hampden on Monday.
Thomas Muller, who grabbed a double in the corresponding fixture in Dortmund last year, opened the scoring in the 18th minute.
In full flow the Germans appeared unplayable as Scotland struggled for possession, yet Gordon Strachan's side grabbed a 27th minute equaliser as the usually reliable Manuel Neuer's attempted clearance of Shaun Maloney's free-kick bounced in off defender Mats Hummels.
Muller headed Germany back in front seven minutes later before James McArthur restored parity for a second time with a sensational strike in the 43rd minute.
Bayern Munich star Muller then turned provider for Ilkay Gundogan to put Germany ahead for the third time in the 54th minute.
Scotland now face a mammoth task to even claim a play-off place as they trail third-placed Ireland, who defeated Georgia 1-0, by four points with two games remaining. Poland's 8-1 demolition of Gibraltar kept the Poles two points behind Germany in second.
Meanwhile Kyle Lafferty's priceless late equaliser kept Northern Ireland within touching distance of an historic berth at the finals as the 10-man hosts rescued a 1-1 draw against Hungary on Monday.
While a victory at Windsor Park could have guaranteed them their first finals spot after 13 attempts, the late goal ensured they avoid a potentially fatal defeat.
Their berth in next year's finals in France looked in jeopardy after Michael McGovern's failure to hold a routine free-kick allowed Hungary's Richard Guzmics to put Hungary ahead with 16 minutes remaining.
To make matters worse for the Irish, Chris Baird was sent off in the closing stages.
But, displaying the tenacious spirit that has fuelled their unexpected Group F challenge, Ireland equalised deep into stoppage-time through Norwich striker Lafferty's seventh goal of the qualifying campaign.
The late strike means Ireland will qualify for a first major tournament since the 1986 World Cup if they beat lowly Greece at home in their next match on October 8.
Portugal also went a step closer to booking their tickets to France next year after midfielder Miguel Veloso scored in injury time to snatch a 1-0 away win against Albania.
Both teams had hit the woodwork before Veloso headed in Ricardo Quaresma's pass for the late winner.
Elsewhere, Denmark was stymied at Armenia for a second 0-0 draw in four days.
Portugal increased its lead of Group I to 15 points. Denmark has 12 while Albania has 11, but both Portugal and Albania have a game in hand.
The top two teams earn berths to the 2016 tournament in France.
In Bordeaux, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Blaide Matuidi continued his scoring form with two goals as European Championship host France beat Serbia 2-1 in a friendly match on Monday.
With Karim Benzema on the bench, Arsenal's Olivier Giroud got a rare start in attack flanked by Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann and Lyon's Mathieu Valbuena, who scored the winner from a free kick in Friday's 1-0 win at Portugal.
Although Griezmann kept the French attack ticking all game with his tricky feet and smart runs, Matuidi stole the show with a well-taken downward header from Bacary Sagna's ninth-minute cross and then a blistering volley midway through the first half.
Matuidi has netted twice in four league games for league leader PSG this season.
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