Former champions Germany were given an early chance for celebration on Friday after becoming the first team to qualify for the 2012 European Championship finals.
The sources of China's stunning economic growth over the past 30 years are beginning to lose their punch, highlighting the need for reforms, World Bank President Robert Zoellick said.
Asian markets rose for a fourth straight day Thursday following another gain on Wall Street thanks to upbeat US data, while Chinese manufacturing figures also provided some support.
Libyan rebels have given forces loyal to Moamer Kadhafi until Saturday to surrender or face the "final battle" of the uprising against the fugitive dictator's crumbling regime.