( CNN ) -- Belgian defender Vincent Kompany said this week there would be a `` commotion '' in Belgium if his country failed to qualify for next year 's World Cup . After Friday 's win against Serbia , Belgium , with its so-called golden generation of players , is getting closer to Brazil . The Red Devils , who last appeared at soccer 's showpiece event in 2002 , beat Serbia 2-1 in qualifying . Kevin De Bruyne and Marouane Fellaini scored headed goals in each half in Brussels to lift Belgium to 19 points in Group A. Kompany 's club teammate at Manchester City , Aleksandar Kolarov , pulled a goal back for Serbia in the 88th minute . De Bruyne , who also set up Fellaini 's effort , could be the next Belgian to move to the Premier League -- he 's being linked with Chelsea . The majority of players Belgium used on Friday ply their trade in England 's top division . Belgium received a further boost , guaranteed of at least second spot , when Croatia blew an opportunity to go level on points with three matches remaining . Despite registering nearly 20 shots , Croatia was upset 1-0 by Scotland in Zagreb . Elsewhere , Cristiano Ronaldo 's Portugal defeated Russia 1-0 to move into top spot ahead of Fabio Capello 's men in Group F. Postiga winner . Veteran striker Helder Postiga netted on a tap-in in the ninth minute in Lisbon to end Russia 's perfect 4-0 record . Portugal , which qualified for the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 courtesy of playoff victories against Bosnia-Herzegovina , improved to 14 points , although Russia possesses two games in hand . Ireland and Austria recorded victories to rise to 11 points in Group C as they seek to nail down second place behind runaway leader Germany . Robbie Keane celebrated becoming Ireland 's most capped player -- he made his 126th appearance to surpass goalkeeper Shay Given -- by scoring all of Ireland 's goals in a 3-0 win against the Faroe Islands in Dublin . `` There was a lot of talk about getting the record caps but that was almost in the back of my mind , '' Keane said . Even with Zlatan Ibrahimovic in its ranks , Sweden fell 2-1 to Austria in Vienna . Johan Elmander , not Ibrahimovic , tallied for the visitor with eight minutes remaining . Sweden , though , will be favored to reach 11 points next week , as it faces the Faroe Islands . Ukraine , co-host of Euro 2012 , did England a favor in Group H by topping group leader Montenegro 4-0 away from home . Ukraine took the lead early in the second half -- after being reduced to 10 men -- with Montenegro then having two players dismissed as its frustration grew . Montenegro leads the group with 14 points , two more than England and three more than Ukraine but with a game more played . Away wins for Bosnia-Herzegovina and Greece , over Latvia and Lithuania , respectively , leave Bosnia-Herzegovina three points ahead of Greece in Group G. More trouble for Mario . Although in little danger of not qualifying from Group B , there was a sour note for Italy in its 0-0 draw at the Czech Republic . Striker Mario Balotelli , no stranger to controversy , was dismissed in the second half after receiving two yellow cards . He struck defender Theodor Gebre Selassie in the face with a forearm to receive his marching orders . `` Balotelli should control himself better -- he allowed himself to be provoked , '' Italy coach Cesare Prandelli told reporters . `` There were a couple of fouls that were not given but that 's no explanation for what he did . ''
Belgium pulls three points clear of Croatia after beating Serbia 2 - 0 in Brussels . Unable to collect three points against Scotland , Croatia lose 1 - 0 at home . Portugal ends Russia 's perfect run with a 1 - 0 victory in Lisbon . Striker Mario Balotelli sees red in Italy 's 0 - 0 draw at the Czech Republic .