SO IRELAND’S VICTORY tonight means they’re through to the play-offs. But who can we potentially face? Well, in short, one of either Bosnia, Turkey, Montenegro or Estonia.
Indeed initially, no one seemed quite sure whether Ireland had gotten a seeded spot, which conceivably enables you to face inferior opposition, as well as getting to play the second leg of the play-off match at home.
However, both FAI and UEFA quickly confirmed to reporters that Ireland had secured a coveted seeded spot.
But that’s just one aspect of a number of fascinating permutations arising from tonight’s action. For more, simply read on and bask in all the complex glory of the Euro 2012 qualifiers.
GROUP A
Germany had already qualified, but secured their 100% record by beating Belgium 3-1. That result enabled Turkey to gain second spot in the group at the expense of Belgium, after they beat Azerbaijan with a narrow 1-0 victory.
Qualified: Germany
Play-offs: Turkey
Eliminated: Belgium, Austria, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.
GROUP B
If you’ve been living under rock for the past few hours, you won’t know that Ireland have secured their play-off place with a win over Armenia, while Russia confirmed their place at the top of the group with a 6-0 win over Andorra.
Qualified: Russia
Play-offs: Ireland
Eliminated: Armenia, Slovakia, Macedonia and Andorra.
GROUP C
Italy had already qualified, so their 3-0 win over Northern Ireland was irrelevant. Meanwhile, Serbia’s 1-0 loss to Slovenia opened the door for Estonia (who weren’t playing tonight) to come second at their expense.
Qualified: Italy
Play-offs: Estonia
Eliminated: Serbia, Slovenia, Northern Ireland and Faroe Islands.
GROUP D
France qualified thanks to a late Samir Nasri goal. Meanwhile, Bosnia’s 1-1 draw with the French meant they had to make do with a play-off spot. All the other teams in the group had been knocked out before tonight.
Qualified: France
Play-offs: Bosnia
Eliminated: Romania, Belarus, Albania and Luxembourg.
GROUP E
Sweden beat Holland 3-2, which means they qualify as best runners up, while Holland, who had already qualified, lose their 100% record.
Qualified: Holland and Sweden (best runner-up)
Eliminated: Hungary, Finland, Moldova and San Marino.
GROUP F
(AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Greece beat Georgia 2-1, enabling Otto Rehhagel’s side to top the group, which meant that Croatia’s 2-0 win over Latvia was academic.
Qualified: Greece
Play-offs: Croatia
Eliminated: Israel, Latvia, Georgia and Malta.
GROUP G
This was the only group in which everything had been decided prior to tonight’s games, with England’s draw against Montenegro on Friday meaning that the former qualified and the latter secured their position in the play-offs.
Qualified: England
Play-offs: Montenegro
Eliminated: Switzerland, Wales and Bulgaria.
GROUP H
Denmark’s victory over Portugal meant they topped the group, while Norway lost out to Cristiano Ronaldo’s team for second spot. Despite beating Cyprus 3-1, they went out on goal difference.
Qualified: Denmark
Play-offs: Portugal
Eliminated: Norway, Iceland and Cyprus.
GROUP I
Czech Republic confirmed their place in the play-offs with a win over Lithuania, while Scotland’s faint qualification hopes ended after a 3-1 loss to Spain, who had already qualified.
Qualified: Spain
Play-offs: Czech Republic
Eliminated: Scotland, Lithuania and Liechtenstein.
Read: As it happened: Ireland v Armenia>
Gallery: Ireland seal Euro 2012 play-off spot>
Tough break for Andorra, being beaten by Russia and Greece in the same night.
Sooooo, we face either Bosnia-Herz, Estonia, Montenegro or Turkey to qualify for the footballing equivalent of the Eurovision song contest. And in that spirit I think we should select our best team to go out there and do the job for us. Niamh Kavanagh in goal, her girth alone should ensure a clean sheet. Johnny Logan in defence with his arms outstretched like the God that he is, Jedward in midfield bouncing around with all that energy and Dana “Christs Vicar On Earth” Scallon up front. with Gods like that on our side we cant lose, and they might do a lot better then the shower of so called footballers that turned up to play for Ireland tonight.
Yawn
Bosnia, Turkey, Estonia or Montenegro.
Hmm, I’d say the draw we’d like is to put us against Estonia but they have come on a lot in the last few years. Or Montenegro, a revitalised Wales beat them and we should expect to be able to match that.
Bosnia very nearly topped France’s group so they are strong would like to avoid them and Turkey, well we’ve been there, been done and would rather not go back. At least it would surely be on tv this time.
I’d nearly say give us one of the big teams. It’s when we’re expected to win is when we really struggle. We always do well when no one gives us a chance
Seeding Ireland gives us a great chance but no qualifying teams are pushovers and we cannot be complacent – all the effort to this point counts for nothing if we don’t tackle these teams with the same focus and commitment shown to date !
So we are cool with the seeding format this time?
If I’m not mistaken, the controversy regarding seeding last time was due to the fact the decision to seed was made after the qualifiers were made wihich was wholly inappropriate and totally unprofessional for such a large sporting organisation. The method of seeding has remained in place from the begining of the competition which means there is no interference mid tournament.
when is the next game??
We might have a chance..
Yawn
Why even go into this article if it bores you?
Estonia or Montenegro please Santa
Disappointed France got late goal to qualify. So close to a showdown replay with ireland.
I’d much rather meet France in the finals next summer to extract some long overdue revenge.