Lot at stake in final Euro qualifiers
 |
The largely predictable Euro 2012 qualifying tournament could throw up real late drama on Tuesday with France and Portugal involved in make-or-break matches.
France host Bosnia in a game, which will send one of the teams to Poland and Ukraine and condemn the other to trying their luck in a two-legged playoff next month.
Denmark and Portugal will be playing for a direct spot at next year's tournament when they meet in Copenhagen, with the visitors at risk of missing out altogether if they lose.
There have been precious few such matches in the marathon nine-group qualifying competition, which has consisted largely of embarrassingly easy wins for the top teams.
Germany, Italy, England, Spain and Netherlands have all qualified, joining co-hosts Poland and Ukraine, without losing a match between them.
Image: French soccer players listen to head coach Laurent Blanc (right) during their official training
Photographs: Reuters
Pride on the mind of some teams
|
|
|
UEFA president Michel Platini has expressed concern for the future of international football although he does not see the Euro qualifying tournament as the problem, saying the small nations have a right to meet the top sides.
However, he will take little comfort for Tuesday's programme where 27 of the 44 teams in action have nothing to play for apart from pride and nine of the 22 matches are effectively dead rubbers.
The Moldova v San Marino, Switzerland v Montenegro, Hungary v Finland, Kazakhstan v Austria and Macedonia v Slovakia games, all featuring teams whose fate is sealed one way or the other, are hardly likely to set pulses racing.
Five more teams -- the final four group winners and the best runners-up -- will ensure their places on Tuesday while the other eight second-placed sides will go into the playoffs to decide the last four qualifiers.
Image: Switzerland's captain Gokhan Inler arrives for a team training session
Photographs: Reuters
Keen contest on cards for Portugal, Denmark
|
|
|
The most attractive fixture pits Denmark and Portugal, level on 16 points at the top of Group H.
One point would be enough for Portugal, who have won their last five games in the group, thanks to their better head-to-head record.
However, while Denmark are assured of a top-two finish, defeat for Portugal could lead to them being overtaken by Norway, who face Cyprus and are three points behind, and missing out on the playoffs as well.
"I don't plan draws or wins," said coach Paulo Bento after Friday's 5-3 win over Iceland. "One or three points will give us top spot and we're going to Denmark to win."
Image: Portugal's Ricardo Carvalho (centre) runs during a training session
Photographs: Reuters
Easy outing for Russia, Greece, Croatia
|
|
More |
France, one point ahead of Bosnia at the top of Group D, need a draw in Paris to qualify but can take nothing for granted against a team who earlier this year were on the point of being kicked out of the competition due to a political dispute in the federation.
Since losing 3-0 in Romania in June, Bosnia have bounced back with four wins in a row and no goals conceded.
The team who miss out will have the consolation of finishing second and a playoff spot.
Russia face what should be a formality to qualify, needing a point at home to Andorra to top Group B, and are leaving Ireland and Armenia to fight for second spot in Dublin.
The Irish, one point ahead of their opponents, need a draw.
Group F leaders Greece also require a draw in Georgia to qualify, otherwise Croatia could pip them by beating Latvia at home.
Greece and Croatia are already sure of at least a playoff place.
Scotland and Belgium need to end the 100 percent records of Spain and Germany respectively to take second spot in their groups.
Scotland's 1-0 win over Liechtenstein on Saturday took them second in Group I but they have only a one-point advantage over Czech Republic, who visit eliminated Lithuania.
Even one point against the rampant world and European champions appears a tall order for Scotland, who have not qualified since 1996.
Belgium are one point clear of Turkey in Group A but need to win in Germany to have any realistic chance of finishing above Guus Hiddink's team.
The Turks have the bonus of hosting an Azerbaijan side who have conceded 15 goals in losing their four away games.
Estonia, who have completed their matches attempting to qualify for their first major tournament, will have a nervous wait to see if they can hold on to second place in Group C as Serbia can still pip them with a win in Slovenia.
Image: Greece head coach Fernando Santos (centre) runs a training session
Photographs: Reuters
© Copyright 2012 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
READ
RECENT
EMAILED
COMMENTED
India Cricket Score | Indian Cricket News | Indian News | Bollywood Movies | India Business News | India Abroad Person of the Year 2011
© 2012 Rediff.com - Investors - Advertise - Disclaimer - Privacy - Careers - Feedback | India Abroad weekly
this
Users
Comment
article