UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying draw
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Group A - Germany are the favorites but not an easy group with Turkey and an up and coming Belgium. Turkey will be the wild card, sometimes that nation is a world beater - see their deep run at the 2002 World Cup and their showing at the last Euros, and sometimes they can lay an egg. Belgium has some young talent in the ranks and could surprise. But can you ever bet against the Germans...alas no. Germany qualify.
Group B - This group is wide open. Ireland will be looking to get into the Euros after missing out on South Africa. Russia will be tough, but if Hiddink is no longer in charge will they have the same mojo? Slovakia surprised everyone by getting to South Africa. I think Ireland use their disappointment in missing out on South Africa to rally and get into the Euros. Ireland qualify.
Group C - Serbia surprised many by taking their group and getting to South Africa, however they have Italy this time and not a Domenech led France. The one possibility is that Italy will be going through a transition with the likes of Pirlo, Gattuso, Toni, Cannavaro to name a few that will most likely be out of the international side. However this is Italy, I do not think Serbia has another upset in its boots - Italy qualify.
Group D - Discussed in an earlier post - France qualify.
Group E - Sweden and Finland should have an interesting Scandinavian derby...Hungary surprised many by showing some fight during the World Cup qualifiers. However Holland is too strong, they should have a good World Cup run this summer to build on. Oranje qualify.
Group F - Croatia were the darlings of the last Euro having knocked out England in qualifying. The three lions returned the favor during World Cup qualifiers. Croatia should see themselves as favorites but one cannot count out the 2004 Euro champions Greece - question will be can the Greeks adapt to what is likely a new manager. Israel is another interesting side with some talent, they have always proven dangerous in qualifiers but can never get over the hump. Could this be the year? I think Croatia is a team in flux and Greece will have some issues without Otto at the helm...Israel pulls off the upset and qualifies.
Group G - Wales is talking about pulling off the upset and knocking off England...um not sure that will happen. Bulgaria will be weakened with its best player - Berbatov - closer to retirement than to his prime. Switzerland might pose a threat but England has too much talent. Question remains will Capello still be at the helm? Or will he be back in club football? If there is a game of musical chairs in the English FA for the managers role it might set back the 3 Lions, even so, this group is fairly weak - England qualify.
Group H - A strong group with the Danes, Norwegians and Portuguese all with a legitimate hope of going through. The question will be which Denmark and Portugal will show up? This group will be nip and tuck until late but the Portuguese will find a way - Portugal qualify.
Group I - The Czech Republic are no longer the side they once were since the retirement of Nedved et al. They are still talented and missing out on the World Cup should give them added incentive to get back to the big stage. Unfortunately they have Spain in their group...could it be World Cup Champion Spain? Spain is head and shoulders above the rest of the sides in this group and should easily coast to qualification. Spain qualify.
The final direct spot will go to the runner up with the best record - I am going to say that will be Croatia. After which there will be the other 8 runner ups in a play off.
Which will be -
Belgium
Russia
Serbia
Bosnia
Sweden
Switzerland
Denmark
Scotland
Should make for an interesting tournament. As always there is no rest in international footie!
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