This weekend there are more Euro 2012 games. Here are the match previews for groups A to E.
Group A
This is really a group of two halves: three Western Europe countries with a Christian history, very close together and sharing (in some parts) the same language; and three Euro-Asian countries of an Islamic background
8/10/2010
Kazakhstan (126) play Belgium (62), Austria (61) play Azerbaijan (102) and Germany (3) play Turkey (21). It seems obvious that Belgium, Austria and German should each win their games.
12/10/10
Azerbaijan (102) play Turkey (21), Kazakhstan (126) play Germany (3), and Belgium (62) play Austria (61). While Turkey and Germany are likely to win their games, it's too hard to predict – from the numbers – who will win out of Belgium and Austria.
Group B
This group features Andorra – on their way to 0 points since their last draw was in September 2007 (now worth a mere 2 points) – and 'geographically in Asia' Armenia, as well as World Cup team Slovakia, Ireland, Russia and Macedonia.
8/10/10
Armenia (105) play Slovakia (16), Andorra (202) play Macedonia (71), and Ireland (33) play Russia Slovakia and Macedonia are set to win, but Ireland have a chance against their opponents.
12/10/10
Armenia (105) play Andorra (202), Slovakia (16) play Ireland (33), and Macedonia (71) play Russia (25). Armenia should win their game, and Russia theirs. Ireland have a stronger opponent, but may prove a challenge.
Group C
Here we find Northern Ireland – now the UK's second-best team after Scotland's performance and beating Slovenia. We also have Italy, Serbia and Slovenia, who are ranked similarly by FIFA, and the rather poorer teams of Faroe Islands and Estonia who kicked off the Euro 2012 qualifiers.
8/10/10
Serbia (15) play Estonia (85), Northern Ireland (45) play Italy (13), and Slovenia (16) play the Faroe Islands (138). Serbia, Italy and Slovenia should each win, since Italy have picked themselves up after the World Cup.
12/10/10
Faroe Islands (138) play Northern Ireland (45), Estonia (85) play Slovenia (16) and Italy (13) play Serbia (15). So while it's wins likely for Northern Ireland and Slovenia, Italy have a challenge on their hands.
Group D
A low-morale France are here, but none of the other teams played in the World Cup. Still, after France's last two matches they will struggle.
8-9/10/10
Luxembourg (130) play Belarus (55) and Albania (67) play Bosnia and Herzegovina (59) on the Friday, then France (27) play Romania (46) on the Saturday. While Belarus have an easy win to claim, the Albania-B&H match should be a challenge. Meanwhile, France may well struggle against Romania.
12/10/10
Belarus (55) play Albania (67) and France (27) play Luxembourg (130). It will be disappointing if France fail to win, and the other match will be tricky for either team to win. Bosnia-Herzegovina and Romania are not playing.
Group E
San Marino haven't won any points in a game since they beat Liechtenstein 1-0 in 2004! This group also features a competitive Northern European group of Sweden, Finland and the Netherlands (who came second in the World Cup).
8/10/10
Hungary (51) play San Marino (203), and Moldova (80) play the Netherlands (2). There's no game for Sweden and Finland. So two simple wins for Hungary and the Netherlands.
12/10/10
Finland (64) play Hungary (51), Netherlands (2) play Sweden (32), and San Marino (203) play Moldova (80). I'd expect Netherlands and Moldova to win, but Finland and Hungary have a struggle on their hands.
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