Five Euro 2012 spots up for grabs
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CRI, October 11, 2011
England clinched a berth at Euro 2012 after tying 2-2 with Montenegro in a Group G qualifying match. Although star striker Wayne Rooney was sent off during the game, the Three Lions join Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Italy in qualifying for the tournament along with co-hosts Ukraine and Poland.
On Tuesday, the last five automatic places will be decided as the final games of the nine groups take place.
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Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal talks about the upcoming game against Denmark following a training session in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. |
Belgium are second in Group A, one point ahead of Turkey after victory against Kazakhstan, while Turkey went down to group winners Germany. Yet Belgium need to up their game when they face Germany in their final match.
After Slovakia's defeat, Russia lead group B and only need one more point from their match with Andorra to maintain top spot. However, an intense tussle will take place between the Republic of Ireland and Armenia, for the winner of which will advance into the play-offs.
Estonia moved up to second in Group C as they beat Northern Ireland 2-1. However, Serbia still has a chance to clinch a play-off position if they win against Slovenia. Estonia, however, have already played their last game.
First position in Group D is still up for grabs. Whoever wins the game between France and Bosnia and Herzegovina will automatically qualify.
Sweden will need to fight hard to qualify for a best runner-up spot. They play world number two the Netherlands, who have already qualified with ease.
The 2004 Champions Greece only need a draw with Georgia to ensure qualification. Montenegro on the other hand will have no pressure in their last group game since they have already guaranteed a play-off position, four points ahead of Switzerland.
Denmark take on Portugal in Copenhagen with both sides hoping to win an automatic place. Norway, three points behind Denmark and Portugal, will gain a best runner-up spot if they beat Cyprus and Portugal either wins their game, or Sweden fails to score against the Netherlands in Group E.
Despite languishing third in Group I, the Czech Republic are still in with a chance of grabbing a runners-up spot if they can overtake Scotland, who are up against giants Spain.
The final qualifying round kicks off October 11th. After a round of play-offs the best runners-up will join the group winners at the finals in Poland and Ukraine.
Four teams can still automatically qualify for Euro 2012.
