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 Posted: Wed 5:02, 13 Apr 2011 Post subject: Euro 2012 Qualifying Matchday Preview - World Cup |
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Euro 2012 Qualifying Matchday Preview ,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych]
For the second time in a little over a month, we’re enticed with Euro 2012 qualifying before heading into hibernation until late March, so enjoy it while you can.
The bulk on the games will be played on Friday, with a couple stragglers on Saturday so as not to keep your weekends international free.
UEFA’s all about the people.
Fixtures
Kazakhstan v Belgium
Austria v Azerbaijan
Germany v Turkey
Armenia v Slovakia
Andorra v Macedonia
Ireland v Russia
Serbia v Estonia
Northern Ireland v Italy
Slovenia v Faroe Islands
Luxembourg v Belarus
Albania v Bosnia and Herzegovina
France v Romania (Sat.)
Hungary v San Marino
Moldova v Netherlands
Georgia v Malta
Greece v Latvia
Israel v Croatia (Sat.)
Wales v Bulgaria
Montenegro v Switzerland
Cyprus v Norway
Portugal v Denmark
Czech Republic v Scotland
Spain v Lithuania
Groups/Games to Watch
Group A
Kazakhstan v Belgium
Austria v Azerbaijan
Germany v Turkey
Game to Watch: Germany v Turkey
Group A has intrigue and potential for fireworks, with Austria, Turkey and Belgium all plausible for that second spot behind Jogi & Co, and that makes this game important from a football perspective. However, this one has a greater cultural significance, with Germany’s young revolutionaries having a multicultural tinge. Only one player of Turkish lines made the squad, but it’s the man spearheading the new-look Germany, Mesut Özil.
And with the players only a very small percentage of the population, you can rest assured the Turkish fans of both teams will be waging battle – some internally.
Group B
Armenia v Slovakia
Andorra v Macedonia
Ireland v Russia
Game to Watch: Ireland v Russia
There are a number of similarities between this game and CR v Scotland (below): an English-speaking country looking to widen the gap at the top against a struggling once Eastern power. However, one slight different in Group B: no Spain.
Slovakia is obviously a footballing nation on the rise, but Ireland could crack out a massive 9 points in 3 games, while Russia is struggling to find that swagger, entering the room with humility, it had in Euro 2008. Breaking away is a distinct possibility.
Group C
Serbia v Estonia
Northern Ireland v Italy
Slovenia v Faroe Islands
Group D
Luxembourg v Belarus
Albania v Bosnia and Herzegovina
France v Romania (Sat.)
Game to Watch: France v Romania
One of these days both sides will enter a competition and only be able to wave to each other from afar: Euro 2008, World Cup qualifying, and now Euro 2010 qualifying.
But maybe the downfall of both teams could be traced back to Euro 2008, when both teams failed to make it through the groups. Since, neither team has had what might be called their finest run – or an even remotely decent run. France might blame Domenech, and Romania might blame…well, I’m not really sure…but maybe this is just football’s version of a toxic relationship, destroying all it touches.
As the Saturday game of note – one of two with Israel v Croatia – the world will be watching, waiting for the meltdown with curious eyes, just like a toxic relationship of the romantic variety.
Group E
Hungary v San Marino
Moldova v Netherlands
Group F
Georgia v Malta
Greece v Latvia
Israel v Croatia (Sat.)
Group G
Wales v Bulgaria
Montenegro v Switzerland
Game to Watch: Montenegro v Switzerland
Quietly, ever so quietly, Montenegro is becoming a Cinderella of European football. Still in its infancy, it’s been rocketing up the FIFA rankings table while netting two wins in two thus far in 2012 qualifying. A third win, against a solid team no less, could vault them up several notches in the eyes of the football world.
Switzerland, meanwhile, will be trying to reclaim the momentum from their stunning upset of Spain this summer. Or perhaps they’ll just take any momentum whatsoever – small group, smaller window with which to get in line.
Group H
Cyprus v Norway
Portugal v Denmark
Game to Watch: Portugal v Denmark
The last time these two danced in Portugal, it produced arguably the ten best minutes of football during World Cup 2010 qualifying.
The added subplot is that Portugal will be featuring their new coach, Paulo Bento, having taken over for Carlos Queiroz just a couple weeks ago, thereby making his debut with the demons of Lisbon hanging over his team.
Luckily this one’s at the Dragao in Porto.
Group I
Czech Republic v Scotland
Spain v Lithuania
Game to Watch: Czech Republic v Scotland
Scotland haven’t qualified for a major tournament since 1998 and weren’t really done any favors by being drawn into a group with Defending Everything champions Spain. However, a short group and a blinding start just might sneak them second-place (Spain have been put into first with an erasable pen) and, at the very least, a chance in the playoffs.
Their biggest competitor on paper? The Czech Republic. Of course they’ve looked decent only on paper, with everywhere else a minor disaster. On the pitch, off the pitch, in the hotel rooms, out of the hotel rooms, etc. The game is in Prague, which helps, but a Scottish victory could easily make group an early two-horse race.
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