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European qualifiers roundup

England are in danger of not qualifying for Euro 2008 after a dismal 0-0 draw against Israel in Tel Aviv in Group E. Germany look certainties to progress from Group D and it will be a surprise if Scotland manage to squeeze out one of France or Italy in Group B. Northern Ireland are the surprise package in Group F. Greece and Turkey should both progress from Group C. Portugal are the fancied team to top Group A.

Group A

Serbia lose to "Borat's team"

Poland went top by winning two consecutive games over Caucasian rivals, while Serbia suffered a heavy setback by losing at unfancied Kazakhstan, who won their first ever qualification game since joining the European group. Serbia later saved a point at home with Portugal, but equally important for both teams was Finland's loss away to Azerbaijan. All the four top teams stay in the race, including Finland, yet to entertain Serbia and Poland.

Group B

Rise of Italy

Italy's revival continued after the world champions broke down Scotland with two goals from Luca Toni. While Italy came within two points of the qualification zone, Ukraine kept their part of the bargain against the Faroes and Lithuania. France went top thanks to a superior goals difference after a dreary 1-0 win in Lithuania. After the June round of games, expect to see Italy in the top two.

Group C

Greek cataclysm

Greece stay on course for a Euro title defense in spite of losing dismally to their biggest sporting and political rival, Turkey, who now firmly top the group. The 1-4 loss in Athens did not severely dent Greek chances as Bosnia upset Norway away from home in a game marred by rioting fans. Bosnia maintain a slim chance to qualify but also reduced the Norwegian chances to the barest minimum.

Group D

Ireland back in play

Germany is, along with Croatia and Turkey, the most successful team of the qualifiers. The win in Czechia surely clinched the top spot for the Germans, although two more teams have 13 points. Still, Czechia have played one more game and Ireland two more games than Germany. Slovakia practically dropped out of the race by losing to Ireland, who in turn improved their chances with nine points from the last three games.

Group E

Uphill battle for England

Croatia maintained their unbeaten home run against Macedonia by coming from behind in the second half. Darijo Srna was the man who brought about the turnaround which kept Croatia in first place. Russia continued its winning streak with a 2-0 victory in Estonia and must be fancied right now to qualify alongside Croatia, unless a dreary England side beats someone else apart from their regular victims Andorra. England also slipped up with a goalless draw in Tel Aviv and is now forced to win at least seven of their eight remaining matches, including two against Guus Hiddink's Russia and two at home with Israel and Croatia - not an entirely easy task.

Group F

Northern Ireland is a sensation

Spain still breathes: with two minimal, far from convincing wins against Denmark and Iceland the Red Furies stay in contention, but their chances have been complicated by Northern Ireland, victorious over Sweden. Three years ago an object of mockery on the continent, the Irish also beat Spain and avoided defeat in Denmark, proving they are now a force to be reckoned with. Still, Spain will qualify if they defeat Northern Ireland and Sweden at home plus Latvia and Iceland away. Sweden remains fancied thanks to its relatively easy run in.

Group G

Bulgaria denied by Albania

The Netherlands were on the brink of collapse in Celje, but they were saved from a disgraceful draw to Slovenia by a lucky long shot by Gio van Bronckhorst with five minutes to go. The ball launched from 35 yards deflected off two defenders and deceived the keeper. Romania had previously done a great job by drawing in Holland and Bulgaria's home draw to Albania certainly favors the two top teams. Since Romania have yet to travel south to Bulgaria, and Bulgaria to Holland, the two Balkans team will enter the finish on an equal footing while the Dutch will qualify from the top spot. Bulgaria's coach Hristo Stoichkov has jumped ship to Celta Vigo in Spain leaving Bulgaria more in the lurch for their remaining games in the group.

June 2007 Euro 2008 Qualifying Round Up

The top two in each of the seven groups will automatically qualify for the finals. There are no play-offs.

Austria and Switzerland automatically qualify as hosts.

Euro 2008 kick offs on June 7, 2008 at St Jakob Park Stadium in Basle, Switzerland.

The final of Euro 2008 will be held at the Ernst Happel Stadion in Vienna, Austria on June 29.

Click on the Group for fixtures, results, news, and tables plus hotel bookings, flights and tickets.

Hotels, Flights and Tickets

Group A Qualifying Fixtures, Tables, News and Results
Group B Qualifying Fixtures, Tables, News and Results
Group C Qualifying Fixtures, Tables, News and Results
Group D Qualifying Fixtures, Tables, News and Results
Group E Qualifying Fixtures, Tables, News and Results
Group F Qualifying Fixtures, Tables, News and Results
Group G Qualifying Fixtures, Tables, News and Results

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