Swiss seeking to get back to winning ways against Israel
Disappointed by a 1-1 draw against Ireland in Basle, the Swiss will be anxious to atone against the Israelis, but they will be aware that their opponents took a shock point off the French at Stade de France in their opening game.
The minnows of the group, Cyprus and the Faroe Islands, face off in Cyprus, with the home side favoured to take the points, especially having beaten Israel 2-1 last time out.
Romania have taken an early lead in Group 1, but a visit from the stars of Euro 2004, the Czech Republic, may slow their rise somewhat. Even without Pavel Nedved the Czechs will be difficult for the Romanians, and the ongoing Adrian Mutu saga may also have affected their concentration somewhat.
Finland are within touching distance of the Romanians and may avail of Armenia’s visit to improve their standing.
Group 2 has a distinctly eastern tinge to it. European Champions Greece seem to be suffering something of a hangover, and it may get worse before it gets better. They travel to the Ukraine, and the home side will hardly be in generous mood if they see any weakness in the opposition. Elsewhere, group leaders Georgia will be very keen to give Denmark a warm reception and to generate some momentum for themselves.
Also in the east, Turkey, relatively disappointing since their showing in the 2002 World Cup, will be looking to get their campaign going with a home win over Kazakhstan. Given the traditional intimidating welcome the Turks offer visiting sides, that seems eminently achievable
Portugal have taken defeat in the European Championships on the chin and recovered well, rallying to second position in Group 3. Travelling to Liechtenstein shouldn’t exert them too much and their goal difference should get a boost accordingly. Group leaders Slovakia have a stiffer test against Latvia, but home advantage should still be the decisive factor for the Mediterranean side. In the other match in the group, Luxemburg will provide a run-out, and presumably some shooting practice, for Russia.
Traditional high achievers Italy top Group 5 and travel to take on near neighbours Slovenia in a clash that may help to decide the eventual winners of the group. With the likes of Francesco Totti vowing to redeem himself after the shame of the European Championships, Slovenia will be put to the pin of their collar to survive this encounter.
Belarus host Moldova in this group’s other clash; the Moldovans are pointless so far and unlikely to change that this weekend.
While the glamour clash in Group 6 may be the England-Wales game, Austria are at home to Poland in a crucial game. It may not have the showbiz appeal of the England game, but Austria are top of the group and Poland always have a tough side so this game may have greater ramifications for a few sides’ qualification prospects.
In Group 7 Lithuania are riding high, and they increased their goal difference yesterday against San Marino, with a four-goal victory. They may come back to earth when Spain visit them this weekend, but before that the Spanish will have a far tougher test against Belgium. However, the most contentious game in the group - if not in Europe - this weekend is the visit of Serbia-Montenegro to Bosnia-Herzegovina, a match that won’t lack political overtones.
In Group 8 table-toppers Croatia have something of a local derby coming up this weekend when they’re visited by Bulgaria. Though not as dominant as they were in the mid-1990s the Croatians should still come through. Sweden are hot on the Croatians' heels and they host Hungary tonight. Hungary are nowhere near as dominant as they were in the 1950s but traditionally put out a good, technical team; this could be a banana skin for the ambitious Swedes.
Elsewhere in the group Iceland take a trip to the heat of Malta, and any side with Eidur Gudjohnsen up front would surely be fancied to keep the Maltese scoreboard operators busy.
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