Focus on Zagreb and Kiev

GROUP “A”

TOURNAMENT TABLE

POLAND - PORTUGAL

On Saturday, the rivals celebrated their first victories, stretching their legs on outsiders from the post-Soviet space - Kazakhstanis and Azerbaijanis. The results of the Polish team lined up in a sequence that slightly appeased the starting alarm of its fans: a defeat from the Finns - a draw with the Serbs - a victory. To completely revive the tournament ambitions and faith in the Dutch coach Leo Benhakker, a win against the group’s rating favorite will now fit perfectly. The Portuguese will face a tough battle in the football Mecca of Poland - Lower Silesian Chorzow.

Other matches: Belgium - Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan - Finland, Serbia - Armenia.

GROUP “B”

TOURNAMENT TABLE

UKRAINE - SCOTLAND

The Scots at the start of the selection jumped not just above their heads - above both finalists of the recent World Cup. The team's results amaze even its trainer Walter Smith. He is philosophical and assures that there will certainly be misfires. The probability that the first will happen in Kiev is high. Andrei Shevchenko, who defeated the mysterious virus simultaneously with the arrival of the team from the Apennines, and Andrei Gusin returned to duty from the owners. This gain is likely to be more convincing than the appearance in the attack of the British Kenny Miller, who served the suspension. Moreover, Christian Daley, injured Russell Anderson and punished for breaking the regime of Harry O'Connor, replenished the list of their losses.

Other matches: Georgia - Italy, France - Faroe Islands.

GROUP “C”

TOURNAMENT TABLE

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - GREECE

With the selection of top events in this unique composition of the group (not a single finalist of the 2006 World Cup!), There is still tension. For lack of stamp we write in simple. For us, the match in the Bosnian Zenica is notable for the participation of the Russian referee team with Yuri Baskakov at the head. For all of Europe - with wires from the Greek team of the 34-year-old captain Theodoros Zagorakis. If someone forgot - the best player in the previous championship of the continent. The 119th performance for the national team will be the last for the veteran.

Other matches: Turkey - Moldova, Malta - Hungary.

GROUP “D”

TOURNAMENT TABLE

SLOVAKIA - GERMANY

On Saturday, the Germans sat in a calendar nook, defeating the Georgians in a friendly manner. Remaining on a strategically advantageous long track, the team of Joachim Lev goes to Bratislava to defend the reputation of a hidden leader. Her hopes are, firstly, that the Slovaks have already let off steam, having routinely defeated the Welsh on the road, and secondly, about the Irish who have failed to start, who are beating their hooves in anticipation of the Czechs. It is curious that the German Football Union voluntarily disqualified Lukas Podolski for two matches, who earned the removal in a duel with the Georgian national team. Although such educational measures were by no means mandatory.

Other matches: Ireland - Czech Republic, Wales - Cyprus.

GROUP E

TOURNAMENT TABLE

CROATIA - ENGLAND

The last for the English qualifying match of the year. He is the most difficult and main. Stephen Maclaren, together with the team, needs to slander the fans from the sin of a home draw with the Macedonians. Question: how to do it at the Zagreb Maximir, where the Croatian team has not lost a single official match so far? Slavic Bilic well warmed up the team in a simple victorious meeting with the Andorrans. And in numerous interviews with the English press, remembering his defender of West Ham and Everton, he promised guests a lot of trouble. The first adversities fell upon the British, even without Croatian participation. Disqualified by Stephen Gerrard. On Monday's training, Ledley King's knee was injured. However, the defender of “Tottenham” happily arrived in time for a replacement in the person of Rio Ferdinand. He had already healed a damaged back.

Other matches: Russia - Estonia, Andorra - Macedonia.

GROUP “F”

TOURNAMENT TABLE

ICELAND - SWEDEN

The Swedish express left the Spanish chase on the rails, scored a terrific move and until now had not noticed the massive landing of VIP passengers. However, on the eve of the visit to Reykjavik, the outcome from the “Tre Krunur” of key players acquired a truly menacing character. Lars Lagerback overnight lost Fredrik Jungberg (calf injury), Anders Svensson (disqualification) and Tobis Linderot (personal reasons). Recall that earlier Zlatan Ibrahimovic refused to come to the national team. Icelanders do not grab stars from the sky. But they can completely convince the outgoing compatriots-islanders of the randomness of the Saturday Riga fiasco by victory over a noticeably weakened leader.

Other matches: Liechtenstein - Denmark, Northern Ireland - Latvia.

GROUP “G”

TOURNAMENT TABLE

HOLLAND - ALBANIA

An away draw under the Sofia rain did not erode the personnel principles of Marco van Basten, who have fewer supporters in Holland. Following Jan-Klas, Huntelar went to the Aesculapian Dirk Kate. And the fastidious head coach did not even cause him to be replaced. Paradox: the “orange” idolizing attack prepare for the official home (!) Match of 19 people, of which only two are nominal forwards. However, in order to overcome the straightforward defense of the Albanians, according to van Basten, one of Robin van Persie's fantastic forms and fortunes should be enough. The Arsenal star earned 3 out of 5 goals of the team in previous matches.

Other matches: Belarus - Slovenia, Luxembourg - Bulgaria.

Sergey NOVIKOV