Group A
Talking about the DFB Eleven, striker Miroslav Klose stated at a press conference this week that “this has to be the strongest team Germany has had if you look at the available players and talents.” Having scored 28 goals and conceded only 5 in 8 matches, it may be hard for anybody to contradict Klose’s statement.
The Germans have secured the top spot in Group A with 24 points. Turkey and Belgium, who occupy the second and third spot respectively, have been left to vie for the group’s unique play-off finish.
With 2 match-days remaining, Turkey have the advantage over Belgium thanks to a 2-point lead. Germany are scheduled to play against Turkey and Belgium on October 7 and October 11 respectively.
Group B
There is still a lot to be decided in this section which is currently being led by Russia. Only 3 points separate the top spot from fourth. Among Russia (17 points), the Republic of Ireland (15 points), Armenia (14 points) and Slovakia (14 points), no team is guaranteed of grabbing automatic tickets. For Macedonia and Andorra, the dream of reaching the 2012 European Championship is dead and buried.
Group C
Italy are relieved to have sealed qualification with 22 points and 2 matches to go. Giampaolo Pazzini proved to be the hero in Florence as his late strike fired the 2010 World Cup flops to Poland-Ukraine. But the excitement in Group C remains alive as 4 more teams are fighting for a second place finish.
Serbia and Northern Ireland have 6 more points at stake whereas Estonia and Slovenia need to make the most of their final fixture against Northern Ireland and Serbia respectively. The Faroe Islands, meanwhile, are destined to remain at the bottom of the table after picking up only 4 points from a possible 30.
Group D
Belarus, Albania and Luxembourg have absolutely no chance of participating in Euro 2012. France currently lead the group with 17 points. Bosnia and Herzegovina follow closely behind with 16 points. Romania, who have 12 points, still stand the chance of topping the table at the end of the UEFA Euro 2012 qualification campaign. Just like Group B, everything is very much undecided at the top of Group D.
Group E
Expectedly, the Netherlands are through to the finals of Euro 2012. A comfortable 2-0 win over Finland on match-day 8 played the trick. The chase for a playoff chance continues for Sweden and Hungary. These 2 teams both have 18 points but the Swedes may feel much more privileged thanks to their (+18) goal difference. Finland, Moldova and San Marino can already think about improving ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. There will be no Euro 2012 for them.
Group F
Group F has become a two-horse race affair between Croatia and Greece. One team will automatically qualify for Poland-Ukraine; the other will need to sort things out through the playoffs.
Group G
England have one foot at the 2012 European Championship. In their penultimate fixture, the Three Lions defeated rivals Wales 1-0.
They lead the 5-team section with 17 points from a possible 21. Montenegro and Switzerland have a genuine chance of reaching the playoffs too. For Bulgaria and Wales, there’s only pride to play for.
England have only one more match to play. In October, they will be up against second-placed Montenegro. The Three Lions have been tipped to steal all three points.
Group H
The fight is between Portugal, Denmark and Norway who all have 13 points. The bad news for the Norwegians is that they have just 1 game left to know their fate. While Iceland may make things easy for Portugal on October 7, Denmark could upset the Iberian nation 4 days later.
Group I
Scotland and the Czech Republic need not to hope for Group I’s top spot; it has been secured by sure Euro 2012 participants Spain. The next thing on the Scottish and the Czechs’ agenda is to qualify for the playoffs. Lithuania and Liechtenstein can, however, play for pride.
Which teams will join Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and co-hosts Poland and Ukraine at the 2012 European Championship?
