Euro 2012 qualifying. Are you ready?

Look forward to these important and sure to be close-fought matches coming up! Obviously, Greece's clash with Croatia will be hard-fought as the Greeks have only allowed 4 goals in their 8 group games. Yes, they have been a little less than impressive in front of goal, but the home field advantage may be enough for the Greeks to really turn it on. Croatia on the other hand lead Group F with 1 point more than their challengers. Yes, they lost 1-0 to Georgia a couple months ago, but they have been on form past that point. In Group A Germany's match with Turkey in Turkey obviously dominates the list as the Germans have a large amount of control over whether the Turks or the Belgians make it through. Since Germany is one of the teams that has qualified already, some might say they will take their foot off the accelerator, but where is the fun in that? Turkey aren't push overs though, and it'll be a tough game for a sides. Belgium face Kazakhstan in a game that should go in the Belgians' favor as they really need the 3 points while Kazakhstan are playing for pride. Azerbaijan's match with Austria could also prove to be a one-sided affair but be prepared for anything! In Group B, Slovakia's fight with Russia will be a good one as victory for the Slovakians means they would go level with the Russians. Russia needs the points to seal their qualification though. The Republic of Ireland's match with Andorra should enable them to register another 3 points which (depending on the Russia's result) may put them at the top of the table. Armenia v.s. Macedonia will also be an important fixture as the Armenians are arguably still in the race for a qualification birth. Armenia would be expected to win, but it is football so what adds up on paper may not add up on the pitch. Group C meanwhile has Northern Ireland's match with Estonia and the huge face-off between Serbia and Italy. Yes, Italy have already won the group, but they aren't known for packing it up early and letting the other teams walk all over them. Rather, the Serbians will have to fight for their 3 points as they seek to stay above their closest rivals Estonia (who are a point and a place behind them with 13 and 3rd respectively). In Northern Ireland's match, Estonia will have to be careful as the Irish are normally pretty strong at home. It won't be a cake walk to say the least. Group D is actually far from decided though. Bosnia and Herzegovina face Luxembourg in a game which the home side should win. If the depleted French side can only tie or even lose to Albania in their match, the Bosnians would take the pole position going into the meeting of the two sides next Tuesday. Romania v.s. Belarus rounds out the Group D fixture list with what should be an entertaining if not important game. Group E on the other hand is wrapping up. The Netherlands will probably want to keep their undefeated record against Moldova, but when Sweden visit Finland, a lot will be on the line. True, Finland are out of the qualification equation, but currently Sweden is level at 18 points with Hungary having played one less game. The fact is that the Swedes have a superior head-to-head record to the Hungarians and will clinch the play-off slot if they defeat their Nordic rivals. Having thrashed the Finns 5-0 when they visited Sweden, the Swedes have a right to be somewhat prepared for victory the second time around. Group F isn't quite so tantalizing, but Latvia and Malta play. In Group G Wales take on Switzerland while Montenegro play England. Yes, England are 6 points clear of the Montenegrins, but they need at least 1 more point to ensure their progression. Montenegro have to win this game to top the Group. Chances of that happening though? Slim. The Swiss should defeat the Welsh, but it won't be easy and then they will face the team from Montenegro in the last game. Group H holds some interesting games with the Cyprus national side facing Denmark while Portugal play Iceland. Admittedly, these may not seem terribly interesting, but 3 of these 4 teams: Portugal, Denmark, and Norway are tied at the top on 13 points! The Portuguese and the Danes are favored to win and if they do, that leaves Iceland out to dry in the run for 1st place. They could still challenge for 2nd though! Last but not least is the pair of games in Group I: the Czech Republic face Spain while Liechtenstein and Scotland play Saturday. True, the Czech's game with Spain (who are already through) will be difficult but they are currently 2 points above Scotland in 2nd so they are in a good position overall. Yes, Scotland should defeat Liechtenstein, but the Czechs are still likely to finish right behind the Spaniards. Enjoy the games!