Group A: Germany, Turkey, Austria, Belgium, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan
Group B: Russia, Slovakia, Ireland, Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra
Group C: Italy, Serbia, Northern Ireland, Slovenia, Estonia, Faeroe Islands
Group D: France, Romania, Bosnia, Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg
Group E: Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Moldova, San Marino
Group F: Croatia, Greece, Israel, Latvia, Georgia, Malta
Group G: England, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Wales, Montenegro
Group H: Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Cyprus, Iceland
Group I: Spain, Czech Republic, Scotland, Lithuania, Liechtenstein
Qualification process
The hosts, Ukraine and Poland are already in, leaving 14 spots to fill. 1st from every group will automatically advance, now leaving just 5 spots. The 2nd place team with the most points will also advance, leaving 4. The remaining 8 group runner-ups play in a playoff to determine the last 4 teams to qualify.
Group A
World Cup 2010 and 2006 semifinalists and Euro 2008 finalists Germany are heavy favourites for Group A. Turkey and Austria are the likely teams to get 2nd. Austria were good in World Cup qualifying, finishing behind France and Serbia. Turkey finished 3rd behind Bosnia and Spain. Belgium are outsiders, and it would be very surprising to see Kazakhstan or Azerbaijan take 1st or 2nd.
Group B
It was a surprise when Russia failed to make it to South Africa, but again they are favourites for Group B. Slovakia were in the last 16 of the World Cup, and Ireland were very nearly into the World Cup. Those 2 should be mainly battling for 2nd, while Macedonia, Andorra, and Armenia are not expected to win too many games.
Group C
Italy and Serbia were both huge disappointments in the World Cup, but they should take 1st and 2nd spot in Group C. The order would be unknown. Northern Ireland and Slovenia can both upset though, and maybe the 2006 World Champions could be left out of the Euro entirely. It doesn't look great for the Faroe Islands and Estonia, who combined won 3 games in 2010 qualifiers.
Group D
France are the favourites, but this is a very wide open group after their performance in South Africa and their group isn't with many real contenders. Romania had a rather good draw in 2010 qualifiers, but only managed 5th out of 6. Bosnia, Belarus, Luxembourg, and Albania don't look their best, but neither do any other teams in Group D.
Group E
Netherlands are the only team in Group E to make it to the World Cup where they were finalists. Sweden were close, as were Finland and Hungary. Moldova and San Marino's chances are slim to none of getting into this Euro.
Group F
Croatia are Greece are favourites. All of the Croatians recent league form has been excellent with Luca Modric, da Silva, and Olic. If they can perform like that, they should be good. Israel, Georgia, Malta, and Latvia are not expected to do well at all in qualifying.
Group G
England were a disappointment in 2010, but look to have a good enough squad, and a favourable enough draw to qualify, after not appearing in Austria and Switzerland in 2008. Switzerland are a good side too, and could be a problem for the 3 Lions. Bulgaria and Montenegro are not favoured. Wales, being large rivals of England will be good matches, with extra tension in the stadiums.
Group H
Portugal come into Group H as likely winners, with Denamark nearly making the Round of 16 in South Africa. Norway could easily challenge one of the 2 for the other place. Cyprus and Iceland should be the challengers for 4th and 5th place in the group, with the other 3 as serious contenders.
Group I
World Cup and European Champions Spain should rather easily win Group I. Scotland and the Czech Republic should be the real battle for 2nd. Lithuania and Liechtenstein aren't likely to advance, but anything is possible.
No comments:
Post a Comment