Two Plus Two Newer Archives - *Official Euro 2008 Qualifying Thread*

Here is my assessment of each team’s chance of qualifying:

Fans Can Make Travel Arrangements

Germany- The most consistent team in qualifying. Germany could lose every game and possibly still qualify. One win from 4 matches (or draw against the Irish) will do it for sure.

Czech Republic- Following its 1-0 victory over Ireland, the Czechs need only one more victory from 3 games because they own the head-to-head tiebreaker.

One Foot In the Door

Greece- The champs still need some points from October clashes at home to Bosnia and away to Turkey, but it would take some unexpected results to keep them from defending their crown next summer.

Croatia- The group leaders are in a good position, 5 points clear of third place, though a slip up against Israel would be costly because a November fixture in England awaits.

Sweden- 3 points ahead of third place with a game in hand. If Sweden can capture full points from October meetings with bottom-feeder Lichtenstein and rival Northern Ireland, they should be through.

Looking Good

Netherlands- The Dutch could even slip up at Romania and still go through if they take care of business at home against Slovenia and away to Belarus.

Romania- With two difficult matches remaining, home against Netherlands and away to Bulgaria, they aren’t there yet, but they do have a 2 point cushion with a game in hand.

Still Work to be Done

Poland- The Group A leaders still have to host Belgium and have a match away to Serbia, but look in good position to qualify.

Finland- With matches away to spoiler Belgium and rival Portugal, the odds are still against the Scandinavians to qualify.

Portugal- Late goals to Serbia and Poland mean Scolari’s men have to earn maximum points in remaining fixtures to guarantee a berth. It could have been so different.

Serbia- The November match against Poland could prove crucial. Serbia are unlikely to qualify, but still maintain hope.

France- Oh Putang. Victory in Paris could have moved Les Bleus on the brink of qualification, but instead defeat has left them with more to achieve. Depending on Scotland’s results in October, a November clash in Ukraine could determine their fate.

Italy- The World Champs are in good position to attempt the rare double. An away match to leaders Scotland appears to be the only stumbling block on the way to the tournament.

Scotland- Sometimes it’s better to be lucky (very) than good. Somehow, they gleaned 6 points from the French, despite domination, and sit atop the group. Still, home tests against Ukraine and Italy remain.

Turkey- An away clash to Norway might determine their fate.

Norway- Their direct, attacking style will by tested by Turkey’s November visit, a match that may well determine second place in the group.

Spain- Victory over Iceland would have been nice, but still the Spaniards sit in good position with three tough matches left, although two of them are at home. Rivals Northern Ireland and Sweden visit while a trip to Denmark awaits.

England- With 6 points from their last two games, the Three Lions are flying high, but a tough test on the plastic in Moscow with likely determine their fate.

Russia- Victory over England in October is a necessity in order to advance. Despite an apparent 3- nil thrashing in London, they played well enough to ensure an exciting rematch.

On the Outside Looking In

Israel- With a trip away to Croatia and home to Russia, the “Asian Europeans” have their work cut out for them and require some help following a 3-0 drubbing in London.

Bulgaria- A late fixture with Romania could be the difference, although it would be unlikely for them to pip group leaders Netherlands or Romania for qualification.

Denmark- Victory over Spain is a necessity and then the Danes must survive a trip to Northern Ireland in order to make an appearance next summer.

Northern Ireland- Away trips to Sweden and Spain (as well as a home match against Denmark) will likely provide the upstarts with only consolation following zero points gained in two winable September matches.

Ukraine- With difficult matches remaining (away to Scotland and home to France) they must win out in order to put pressure on group leaders.

Living Vicariously through the Lives of Other Teams

Everyone else.

Final Prediction-

Poland, Portugal, France, Italy, Turkey, Greece, Czech Republic, Germany, Croatia, England, Sweden, Spain, Romania, Netherlands.