Euro 2012 Play-Off Preview

Euro 2012 Play-Off Preview

Thursday saw the draw for the Play-Off stage of qualification for Euro 2012. The draw took place in Krakow in Poland at mid-day UK time, with the seedings previously announced. We have decided to take an in depth look into each tie, analysing and predicting the outcome of each game.

First Seeds – Republic of Ireland, Croatia, Bosnia, Portugal.

Second Seeds – Turkey, Estonia, Czech Republic, Montenegro.

Turkey v Croatia

First leg - Ataturk Olympic Stadium (11th/12th November)

Second leg - Maksimir Stadium (15th November)

Key Players

Turkey - Arda Turan, 49 Caps, 12 Goals.

Croatia - Luka Modric. 51 Caps, 8 Goals.

Last Meeting

June 2008, European Championships Quarter Final, Austria, Vienna.

Turkey 1 - 1 Croatia (After Extra Time) 3-1 on penalties to Turkey.

Prediction

The last time these two sides met produced a classic, with Croatia scoring first, albeit in the 119th minute, before Turkey equalised with the last kick of the game, before going on to win on penalties. Both sides will be desperate to qualify for the tournament after both sides missed out on the World Cup in South Africa last year. With the second leg being in Croatia, Turkey have their work to do in the first leg, before a daunting trip to Eastern Europe. Either side are capable of winning this game, many will expect Croatia to succeed over Guus Hiddink's side, I however disagree, and can see Turkey springing a shock, with a comfortable win in the home leg.

Czech Republic v Montenegro
First leg - Generali Arena (11th/12th November)
Second leg - Podgorica City Stadium (15th November)


Key Players
Czech Republic - Tomas Rosicky
Montenegro - Mirko Vucinic

Last Meeting
N/A

Prediction
The Czech Republic side seem to have declined over the last 8 years, since Euro 2004, where the side made the last four, and were considered favourites by many people after topping a group with maximum points that included Holland & Germany. Only a late extra time goal in the semi-finals against eventual winners Greece saw the Czech's fail to reach the final. This proves very different to a Montenegro side that have only been in existence for four years, competing in only their second major qualifying campaign, after failing to qualify for South Africa 2010. Since breaking from Serbia, Montenegro have enjoyed a fairly solid start to International football, with their most notable scalps being two draws against England in the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, both home & away, which helped secure a play-off spot. The Czechs will be considered by many to be favourites for this tie, however, with the second leg in the city of Podgorica, where Montenegro have only lost three times in thirty-eight games, Czech Republic will feel a victory is essential in their home leg, for any chance of success.

Bosnia Herzegovina v Portugal
First leg - Asim Ferhatovic Hase Stadium (11th/12th November)
Second leg - Estadio da Luz (15th November)

Key Players
Bosnia - Edin Dzeko
Portugal - Cristiano Ronaldo

Last meeting
World Cup 2010, Play-Off
Portugal 1 - 0 Bosnia
Bosnia 0 - 1 Portugal

Prediction
Bosnia have enjoyed a meteoric rise in International football over the past  few years. From being a relativley unknown force, players such as Edin Dzeko, Emire Spahic and Miralem Pjanic have all established themselves as regulars within big European clubs, only aiding Bosnia's impressive success. The past 12 months have proved difficult for the Portuguese national side, as a less than convincing qualifying campaign saw them finish runners up to Denmark, after defeat to the Danes in the final game. Since the two sides met in the Play-Offs for the World Cup in South Africa, the Portuguese defence has been under scrutiny, despite convincing wins including the 4-0 victory over Spain, Portugal have also leaked four goals at home to Cyprus & a further three at home to Iceland. Bosnia can count themselves unlucky not to have qualified automatically, as only a late Samir Nasri penalty condemned the Bosnian's to second place in the group, behind France. Of all the Play-Off ties taking place in November, these two legs will be viewed by many as the most interesting, with Bosnia more than capable of causing a shock, both at home and away in Portugal. If Bosnia can secure a win in the first leg, I fancy them to hold out for qualification over two legs.



Estonia v Republic Of Ireland
First leg - A Le Coq Arena (12/13th November)
Second leg - Aviva Stadium (15th November)

Key Players
Estonia - Tarmo Kink
Republic Of Ireland - Richard Dunne

Last Meeting
2002 World Cup Qualifier
Republic Of Ireland 2 - 0 Estonia

Prediction
Ireland, considered by many to be favourites to advance from this tie, will consider themselves unfortunate not to secure automatic qualification, falling behind only a lacklustre Russian side in their qualification group. Estonia on the other hand, finished above Northern Ireland, Slovenia and a strong Serbia side, in their quest for a first appearance at a major tournament. This Play-Off game is the closest Estonia have ever come to qualification, as the nation hold their breath, hoping more than expecting a result against the Irish. Under Giovanni Trapattoni, Ireland became close to qualification to the World Cup in South Africa, as they came face to face with France in a similar Play-Off situation. Only a Thierry Henry hand ball prevented the Irish from advancing, as they proved the better side over the two legs. Many will expect Ireland to advance, but with Kevin Doyle suspended for the first game, and Robbie Keane set to miss both legs through Injury, they will have to rely on Shane Long, Jon Walters and Leon Best to provide the goals to see them through to Poland/Ukraine. Despite these setbacks, I cant help but see past Republic Of Ireland advancing, with a win at home in the second leg, securing their passage to the Euro's next summer.