21.   The top three spots remained unchanged from November, with Brazil followed by France and Argentina.

22.   Three automatic spots remain, with Paraguay, Ecuador, Brazil and Uruguay the contenders.

23.   Two spots remain.

24.   Two spots remain open in the eight-man field.

25.   Two other relegation spots remain to be filled.

26.   Thousands of overseas visitors to Paris faced more disruption Thursday as top tourist spots remained closed for the third consecutive day due to strike action.

27.   Scientists are not certain how long the spots will remain, with estimates ranging from months to years.