Euro 2012 Odds: Grading the Qualifying Efforts So Far
It's no joke that qualification for Euro 2012, which will take place in Poland and the Ukraine, is already underway. With most countries four matches deep in competition, we can separate the contenders from the pretenders as the 2011 set of matches looms in the distance.
With all that said, we take a look at the progress of all 51 teams involved. Odds courtesy of Valuechecker.
Albania
1 of 51
Group: D
Matches played: 4
Wins: 1
Draws: 2
Losses: 1
Goals forwarded: 3
Goals allowed: 4
Goal differential: -1
Points: 5
Grade: C+
Odds of qualifying: 201-1
The Kuq e Zinjtë have had a modest campaign, with a 1-2-1 record and five points in four games. However, with France and Belarus setting the pace, the Red and Blacks have nothing to do but to catch up as they prepare for the 2011 leg of qualifying matches.
Andorra
2 of 51
Group: B
Matches played: 4
Wins: 0
Draws: 0
Losses: 4
Goals forwarded: 1
Goals allowed: 11
Goal differential: -10
Points: 0
Grade: F
Odds of qualifying: 2501-1
This is a side that should be written off, if not already. One of the doormats of European football, Andorra have only scored once through qualifying, and that is from 21-year old Cristian Martinez. While the young man may have a bright future ahead of him, Andorra have a bleak future ahead of them as a team in terms of their qualifying prospects.
Armenia
3 of 51
Group: B
Matches played: 4
Wins: 2
Draws: 1
Losses: 1
Goals forwarded: 9
Goals allowed: 4
Goal differential: +5
Points: 7
Grade: B
Odds of qualifying: 151-1
The Lernakanner are in a three-way tie with Ireland and Slovakia for second place in Group B. Their highlight win of the campaign so far is a 3-1 home win against Slovakia. Yura Movsisyan, a former fixture in Major League Soccer and now with Danish side Randers, leads the charge with three goals to his credit. However, they have yet to take on Russia, and that will not be an easy nut to crack.
Austria
4 of 51
Group: A
Matches played: 3
Wins: 2
Draws: 1
Losses: 0
Goals forwarded: 9
Goals allowed: 4
Goal differential: +5
Points: 7
Grade: B
Odds of qualifying: 21.00
Austria currently sit second in the table, which means they would be positioned for the playoffs. Marko Arnautović leads a balanced offensive attack for Austria with three goals to his name. Das Team will need to pick up the pace in 2011 if they are to catch up to Germany in Group A.
Azerbaijan
5 of 51
Group: A
Matches played: 3
Wins: 1
Draws: 0
Losses: 2
Goals forwarded: 2
Goals allowed: 9
Goal differential: -7
Points: 3
Grade: D+
Odds of qualifying: 1001-1
The Odlar Yurdu raised quite a few eyebrows on their third matchday with their 1-0 victory over Turkey, thanks to this man: Rashad Sadygov. Still, they have a tough mountain to climb, and blowout losses to Germany and Austria aren't going to get the job done.
Belarus
6 of 51
Group: D
Matches played: 4
Wins: 2
Draws: 2
Losses: 0
Goals forwarded: 3
Goals allowed: 0
Goal differential: +3
Points: 8
Grade: B+
Odds of qualifying: 17.00
Belarus is looking to be the biggest threat to France's march to Euro 2012 qualification after their 1-0 victory over Les Bleus in Group D play. However, draws against laggards Romania and Luxembourg call into question the White Russians' consistency heading into the 2011 matches.
Belgium
7 of 51
Group: A
Matches played: 4
Wins: 1
Draws: 1
Losses: 2
Goals forwarded: 8
Goals allowed: 8
Goal differential: 0
Points: 4
Grade: C
Odds of qualifying: 23.00
The Rode Duivels have their work cut out for them, as they sit fourth on the table in Group A. Belgium's leading scorer, Marvin Ogunjimi, only has three goals so far to his name, and that is not going to be enough for the Red Devils, especially with their only win coming against Kazakhstan.
Bosnia & Herzegovina
8 of 51
Group: D
Matches played: 3
Wins: 1
Draws: 1
Losses: 1
Goals forwarded: 4
Goals allowed: 3
Goal differential: +1
Points: 4
Grade: C-
Odds of qualifying: 9.55
The Zmajevi are not faring well early in qualifying, with just four points in as many matches. Romania and Luxembourg should be winnable contests, but even that may not be enough with the pace France and Belarus are setting in Group D. Some catching up may be in order, and fast, for the Dragons.
Bulgaria
9 of 51
Group: G
Matches played: 3
Wins: 1
Draws: 0
Losses: 2
Goals forwarded: 1
Goals allowed: 5
Goal differential: -4
Points: 3
Grade: D
Odds of qualifying: 21.00
The Lions may be on the outside looking in when the field of 16 is announced for the Euro 2012 finals. Three points in as many matches simply won't get the job done for Bulgaria, who are being swept away by Montenegro and England, the class of Group G.
Croatia
10 of 51
Group: F
Matches played: 3
Wins: 2
Draws: 1
Losses: 0
Goals forwarded: 5
Goals allowed: 1
Goal differential: +4
Points: 7
Grade: B+
Odds of qualifying: 1.57
Croatia's Vatreni are blazing their way to a imminent takeover of the Group F standings. Currently, they are second on the table to Greece, but they have a game in hand, a superior goal differential, and a goal-scoring catalyst in Niko Kranjčar, who has two so far this campaign. Look for Kranjčar, Ivica Olić and Darijo Srna (pictured) to fuel Croatia's chances of qualifying in 2011.
Cyprus
11 of 51
Group: H
Matches played: 3
Wins: 0
Draws: 1
Losses: 2
Goals forwarded: 5
Goals allowed: 8
Goal differential: -3
Points: 1
Grade: D-
Odds of qualifying: 251-1
Cyprus is in a heap of trouble. With only one point out of nine possible, combined with the likes of Norway, Portugal and Denmark setting the pace, this island country's Euro 2012 qualification hopes could be damaged fan worse than the flickering prospects of reunifying the island. Ioannis Okkas leads Cyprus's qualification campaign with two goals.
Czech Republic
12 of 51
Group: I
Matches played: 3
Wins: 2
Draws: 0
Losses: 1
Goals forwarded: 3
Goals allowed: 1
Goal differential: +2
Points: 6
Grade: B
Odds of qualifying: 9.00
The bitter taste of failing to qualify for the FIFA 2010 World Cup lingers in the mouths of Národní tým, and can only be washes away with qualifying for Euro 2012. So far, they are second on the table, their only defeat a 1-0 shocker to Lithuania. The first true test will await the Czech Republic on March 25, when they face off against Spain at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.
Denmark
13 of 51
Group: H
Matches played: 3
Wins: 2
Draws: 0
Losses: 1
Goals forwarded: 4
Goals allowed: 3
Goal differential: +1
Points: 6
Grade: B
Odds of qualifying: 3.75
So far, Denmark have had a fair start to their qualifying campaign, with victories over Cyprus and Iceland against a loss to Portugal. However, De Rød-Hvide have yet to face group leaders Norway, and the two meetings on March 26 and Sept. 6 will determine if Morten Olsen's XI will be in the qualifying hunt, or be consigned to planning for Brazil 2014.
England
14 of 51
Group: G
Matches played: 3
Wins: 2
Draws: 1
Losses: 0
Goals forwarded: 7
Goals allowed: 1
Goal differential: +6
Points: 7
Grade: A-
Odds of qualifying: 1.23
The Three Lions' shocking scoreless draw with Montenegro will no doubt raise suspicions on Fabio Capello's ability to manage England. Nonetheless, Jermain Defoe (three goals in qualifying) and Adam Johnson (two goals in qualifying) may be the key-jumpstarters to England maintaining order and winning Group G.
If the qualifying matches were to end today, England would go through as the best team among the group runners-up. However, one would be a fool to think that they would be satisfied to just be in that position. Watch for the likes of Wayne Rooney, Darren Bent and Peter Crouch, among others, to knock some sense back into a lagging England side in 2011.
Estonia
15 of 51
Group: C
Matches played: 4
Wins: 2
Draws: 0
Losses: 2
Goals forwarded: 6
Goals allowed: 5
Goal differential: +1
Points: 6
Grade: B-
Odds of qualifying: 426-1
The Sinisärgid are so far on the outside looking in, with defeats to leaders Italy and Slovenia to show for it. If the Blueshirts are unable to make up for the breakdown in the 2010 meetings, Estonia could be out of luck in qualifying for the Euro 2012 finals.
Faroe Islands
16 of 51
Group: C
Matches played: 5
Wins: 0
Draws: 1
Losses: 5
Goals forwarded: 3
Goals allowed: 16
Goal differential: -13
Points: 1
Grade: F-
Odds of qualifying: 2501-1
The goose is all but cooked for the Faroe Islands posing a threat in qualification for Euro 2012. Sadly, in spite of a gutsy 1-1 draw with Northern Islands, these footballing minnows are not going to stand even a ghost of a chance at qualifying for this event with just one point in five matches.
Finland
17 of 51
Group: E
Matches played: 3
Wins: 0
Draws: 0
Losses: 0
Goals forwarded: 2
Goals allowed: 6
Goal differential: -4
Points: 0
Grade: F
Odds of qualifying: 101-1
The Huuhkajat are flying to the point of no qualification. With zero points after three matches, it doesn't look very good for the Eagle-Owls. They do have a chance to pick up some consolation points in what should be a gimme against San Marino on Nov, 17, 2010. Otherwise, Finland is going to have a tough mountain to climb, especially with Scandinavian neighbors Sweden in the thick of things in Group E.
France
18 of 51
Group: D
Matches played: 4
Wins: 3
Draws: 0
Losses: 1
Goals forwarded: 6
Goals allowed: 1
Goal differential: +5
Points: 9
Grade: A-
Odds of qualifying: 1.36
Les Bleus are doing all they can to exorcise the horror that was their FIFA 2010 World Cup run behind them under new manager Laurent Blanc. So far, they are doing a relatively good job at it, with nine points in four matches, but an embarrassing 1-0 defeat to chasers Belarus means that their place in Poland and the Ukraine is not necessarily set in stone. Karim Benzema and Yoann Gourcuff are France's top scorers with two goals each.
Georgia
19 of 51
Group: F
Matches played: 4
Wins: 1
Draws: 3
Losses: 0
Goals forwarded: 3
Goals allowed: 2
Goal differential: +1
Points: 6
Grade: B-
Odds of qualifying: 51.00
The Jvarosnebi have yet to lose a match in Euro 2012 qualification, but with just six points in four matches to go with their only victory coming against Malta, the wins have to come in bunches. Else, Georgia's Crusaders may see their dreams for Poland and the Ukraine die on the football field.
Germany
20 of 51
Group: A
Matches played: 4
Wins: 4
Draws: 0
Losses: 0
Goals forwarded: 13
Goals allowed: 1
Goal differential: +12
Points: 12
Grade: A
Odds of qualifying: 1.10
Germany are the favorite to win Group A for a reason. Joachim Löw's Mannschaft are clicking on all cylinders and have positioned themselves as a legit threat to hoisting the Henri Delaunay Trophy. Miroslav Klose is as good a striker as you will see in this phase, with six goals to his name, good for second best. The 13 goals are the highest by any country thus far, making them a team to be feared.
Greece
21 of 51
Group: F
Matches played: 4
Wins: 2
Draws: 2
Losses: 0
Goals forwarded: 4
Goals allowed: 2
Goal differential: +2
Points: 8
Grade: B
Odds of qualifying: 2.63
Unconvincing draws against Georgia and Croatia put Fernando Santos's Ethniki in a very precarious position as group leaders after four matches. They haven't been dominant with their production, with that honor going to second-place Croatia, and if they are to put Hrvatska off their backs, it has to begin on March 26 against Malta.
Hungary
22 of 51
Group: E
Matches played: 4
Wins: 3
Draws: 0
Losses: 1
Goals forwarded: 12
Goals allowed: 4
Goal differential: +8
Points: 9
Grade: B+
Odds of qualifying: 21.00
An unfortunate 2-0 defeat to Sweden prevented the Magyars from not only equalizing Holland on points, but topping the table on goal differential. However, Hungary have yet to face the Dutch, and may be in for a stern challenge. A more inspired performance against the Swedes on Sept. 2, 2011 could determine whether or not they earn a spot in the playoffs of Euro 2012 qualification. Hungary's scoring attack is led by Ádám Szalai (four goals in qualifying) and Gergely Rudolf (three goals in qualifying).
Iceland
23 of 51
Group: H
Matches played: 3
Wins: 0
Draws: 0
Losses: 3
Goals forwarded: 2
Goals allowed: 6
Goal differential: -4
Points: 0
Grade: F
Odds of qualifying: 501-1
Pack up the tent, you followers of Strákarnir okkar, your team ain't goin' to Euro 2012! At least, it ain't lookin' that way early on. Iceland have suffered defeats to Norway, Portugal and Denmark, and are going to have a difficult time getting out a very deep hole in qualification.
Israel
24 of 51
Group: F
Matches played: 4
Wins: 1
Draws: 1
Losses: 2
Goals forwarded: 5
Goals allowed: 5
Goal differential: 0
Points: 4
Grade: C
Odds of qualifying: 26.00
Israel are in a bind right now regarding their qualifying. Like Georgia, the only victory for the Blue and Whites came against Malta, and in four matches of action, they have scored as many goals as they have given up. With Greece, Croatia and Georgia setting the pace, Israel could be left in the dust. Yossi Benayoun leads Israel's qualifying cause with three goals so far.
Italy
25 of 51
Group: C
Matches played: 3
Wins: 2
Draws: 1
Losses: 0
Goals forwarded: 7
Goals allowed: 1
Goal differential: +6
Points: 7
Grade: A
Odds of qualifying: 1.36
Cesare Prandelli's Azzurri are currently first with seven points to their credit, but that can potentially turn to 10 pending an investigation by UEFA regarding the qualifier between Italy and Serbia. In spite of a scoreless draw with Northern Ireland, a 5-0 muscle-flexing against the Faroe Islands puts the Azzurri in prime position to qualify for the finals. Antonio Cassano leads a balanced Italian attack with two goals in three matches.
Kazakhstan
26 of 51
Group: A
Matches played: 4
Wins: 0
Draws: 0
Losses: 4
Goals forwarded: 0
Goals allowed: 10
Points: 0
Grade: F
Odds of qualifying: 1501-1
Punters will be wise to write Kazakhstan off. This team is nowhere close to Euro 2012 material. 10 goals allowed against no scorers is not going to get the job done. In fact, all the other starters on the other teams in Group A would have to be sidelined for the next year for Kazakhstan to stand a chance of qualifying. They are out of their depth, and sinking fast.
Latvia
27 of 51
Group: F
Matches played: 4
Wins: 1
Draws: 1
Losses: 2
Goals forwarded: 3
Goals allowed: 5
Goal differential: -2
Points: 4
Grade: D+
Odds of qualifying: 51.00
The Valstsvienība have not had an impressive start to their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, with just four points in as many matches. Like Georgia and Israel, Latvia's only victory came against Malta. A 3-0 humiliation to Croatia may be a prelude to what might be a forgettable qualification foray for this Baltic Sea state.
Liechtenstein
28 of 51
Group: I
Matches played: 3
Wins: 0
Draws: 0
Losses: 3
Goals forwarded: 1
Goals allowed: 8
Goal differential: -7
Points: 0
Grade: F-
Odds of qualifying: 5001-1
Another forgettable European Championship qualifying campaign will come and go for tiny Liechtenstein. And it will pass, without their appearance in the finals. Hello, hello, hello: we all could see this coming; I kid you not. You would have to be blind, stupid, or possibly even dead to put your money on these minnows to qualify for Euro 2012. Count the Swiss franc on your eyes while you're at it, too.
Lithuania
29 of 51
Group: I
Matches played: 3
Wins: 1
Draws: 1
Losses: 1
Goals forwarded: 2
Goals allowed: 3
Goal differential: -1
Points: 4
Grade: D
Odds of qualifying: 201-1
While Lithuania have caused a bit of a surprise with their 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic, it's going to take more than this for this country to stand a chance at qualifying for Euro 2012. Four points in three games in a five-team group is a recipe for disaster, especially with the Czechs and Spain setting the pace. Darvydas Šernas (pictured) leads Lithuania's cause with two goals, but more production will be needed in the 2011 slate of matches.
Luxembourg
30 of 51
Group: D
Matches played: 4
Wins: 0
Draws: 1
Losses: 3
Goals forwarded: 0
Goals allowed: 6
Goal differential: -6
Points: 1
Grade: F
Odds of qualifying: 2501-1
You might as well say au revoir and adieu to the fortunes of De Roude Léiw. Or, as they say in Luxembourg...Äddi. The Red Lions have only one point in four matches of qualifying and may not be able to get of out of the cellar, let alone qualify. This cake is baked.
FYR Macedonia
31 of 51
Group: B
Matches played: 4
Wins: 1
Draws: 1
Losses: 2
Goals forwarded: 4
Goals allowed: 4
Goal differential: 0
Points: 4
Grade: D
Odds of qualifying: 81.00
Crveni Lavovi are not having a promising campaign so far, with just four points in as many matches. Losses to Slovakia and Russia have told the tale for this side, and if things do not turn around, this campaign could be over in a hurry. Ilčo Naumoski leads the cause for the Red Lions with two goals to his credit.
Malta
32 of 51
Group: F
Matches played: 3
Wins: 0
Draws: 0
Losses: 3
Goals forwarded: 1
Goals allowed: 6
Goal differential: -5
Points: 0
Grade: F
Odds of qualifying: 1501-1
Malta's cause is lost. With flying colours of misery. The Knights of St John have just one goal in three matches, all of them defeats, and all of them against mediocre teams in Group F. And they have yet to face Croatia or Greece. This is gonna get real out of hand. Do not put your money on them to win a single game, let alone qualify. It's a no-win situation.
Moldova
33 of 51
Group: E
Matches played: 4
Wins: 2
Draws: 0
Losses: 2
Goals forwarded: 5
Goals allowed: 3
Goal differential: +2
Points: 6
Grade: C
Odds of qualifying: 151-1
Moldova's only victories in Euro 2012 qualification came against Finland and San Marino. They have yet to lay a finger on the heavyweights of the group in the Netherlands and Hungary, and have yet to face Sweden. With only six goals in four matches, Moldova may not stand a chance at playing in the finals, which will be held in one of their neighbor countries, the Ukraine, as well as Poland. Alexandr Suvorov leads Moldova's cause with two goals in qualifying action.
Montenegro
34 of 51
Group: G
Matches played: 4
Wins: 3
Draws: 1
Losses: 0
Goals forwarded: 3
Goals allowed: 0
Goal differential: +3
Points: 10
Grade: A
Odds of qualifying: 10.00
There is no question that Hrabri Sokolovi, the Brave Falcons of Montenegro, have become the surprise of Euro 2012 qualification. Their scoreless draw against England in Wembley is a testament to their nickname, and 1-0 victories over Wales, Bulgaria and Switzerland have made Montenegro, under manager Zlatko Kranjčar, a dark horse worth betting on. Keep your eye out for Mirko Vučinić, who leads the team with two goals in qualifying play.
Netherlands
35 of 51
Group: E
Matches played: 4
Wins: 4
Draws: 0
Losses: 0
Goals forwarded: 12
Goals allowed: 2
Goal differential: +10
Points: 12
Grade: A
Odds of qualifying: 1.10
It's as if the defeat to Andres Iniesta and Spain in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final merely motivated Bert van Marwijk's Oranje to step their game up. And indeed they have, with an unbeaten record and just two goals allowed. This is a side of Flying Dutchmen that could be punching their ticket to Poland and the Ukraine real soon.
Spearheading the charge is qualifying tournament-leading goalscorer Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (pictured) with eight goals to his credit. Huntelaar, Dirk Kuyt and Ruud van Nistelrooy will prove instrumental to the ongoing march of the Clockwork Orange towards qualification.
Northern Ireland
36 of 51
Group: C
Matches played: 3
Wins: 1
Draws: 2
Losses: 0
Goals forwarded: 2
Goals allowed: 1
Goal differential: +1
Points: 5
Grade: C+
Odds of qualifying: 26.00
Northern Ireland have had an inconsistent run to their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign. A scoreless draw with group leaders Italy was juxtaposed with a shocking 1-1 draw with group laggards Faroe Islands. This, and the lack of production, are problems that must be sorted out when the 2011 qualifier matches commence.
Norway
37 of 51
Group: H
Matches played: 3
Wins: 3
Draws: 0
Losses: 0
Goals forwarded: 5
Goals allowed: 2
Goal differential: +3
Points: 9
Grade: A
Odds of qualifying: 3.75
Norway are riding high after a 1-0 statement win over Portugal in Oslo on Sept. 7 and currently sit first on the Group H table with a full nine points. However, their victories over Cyprus and Iceland were not as emphatic, and more scoring will be needed if Egil Olsen's Drillos are to keep their hold on the table. Watch for players like John Carew (pictured), Steffen Iversen and John Riise to make an impact for Norway in the 2011 leg of fixtures.
Portugal
38 of 51
Group: H
Matches played: 4
Wins: 2
Draws: 1
Losses: 1
Goals forwarded: 10
Goals allowed: 7
Goal differential: +1
Points: 7
Grade: B
Odds of qualifying: 1.86
A Selecção find themselves in an unusual situation. A disappointing 1-0 defeat to Norway combined with a shocking 4-4 draw with Cyprus consigns Portugal to second on the table, with just seven points through four matches. In a group with just five teams, points because more magnified, and Portugal need to find that winning edge if they are to overtake Norway in Group H. They have proven that they have the offensive firepower to make noise in Euro 2012 qualification. Nani, Raúl Meireles (pictured) and Cristiano Ronaldo lead A Selecção's balanced attack with two goals each.
Republic Of Ireland
39 of 51
Group: B
Matches played: 4
Wins: 2
Draws: 1
Losses: 1
Goals forwarded: 7
Goals allowed: 5
Goal differential: +2
Points: 7
Grade: B
Odds of qualifying: 5.50
It's a three-way logjam between the Boys in Green, Armenia and Slovakia for second place in Group B. However, Ireland gets the ascendancy because of superior head-to-head point accumulation (Ireland has four, Armenia three, Slovakia one). A balanced arsenal of production is led by Robbie Keane (pictured), with two goals to his name. But a loss to Russia combined with a draw to Slovakia means that Ireland have their work cut out for them heading into 2011.
Romania
40 of 51
Group: D
Matches played: 3
Wins: 0
Draws: 2
Losses: 1
Goals forwarded: 1
Goals allowed: 3
Goal differential: -2
Points: 2
Grade: D-
Odds of qualifying: 9.55
This hasn't been the happiest of qualifying campaigns thus far for the Tricolorii, with just two points in three matches to account for it. Combine this with only one goal from Bogdan Stancu to show for their efforts, and a sense of urgency will be the theme of the 2011 leg of matches. This could get ugly.
Russia
41 of 51
Group: B
Matches played: 4
Wins: 3
Draws: 0
Losses: 1
Goals forwarded: 6
Goals allowed: 3
Goal differential: +3
Points: 9
Grade: A-
Odds of qualifying: 1.44
Dick Advocaat's Sbornaya are the leaders in Group B at the moment, but have yet to step up their production through four match days, with the low point of their campaign being a 1-0 defeat at home to Slovakia. Look for players like Pavel Pogrebnyak and (pictured) Aleksandr Kerzhakov (who each have two goals) to spearhead a rejuvenated Russia in the 2011 portion of qualifying.
San Marino
42 of 51
Group: E
Matches played: 4
Wins: 0
Draws: 0
Losses: 4
Goals forwarded: 0
Goals allowed: 21
Goal differential: -21
Points: 0
Grade: F-
Odds of qualifying: 48-1
Ugh. This has already gotten ugly for La Serenissima, and we're only four games into qualification. You gotta wonder, if not scratch your head, as to why Valuechecker chose to be a bit sympathetic in their bookmaking for San Marino. Think about it. Who would want to put their hard-earned money on a national team that is so bad, the youth sides of the other teams in Group E could beat them? Write this side off NOW.
Scotland
43 of 51
Group: I
Matches played: 4
Wins: 1
Draws: 1
Losses: 2
Goals forwarded: 4
Goals allowed: 5
Goal differential: -1
Points: 4
Grade: C
Odds of qualifying: 51.00
Things are looking a bit thorny for Scotland at the moment, with the rest of the group having a game in hand over the Tartan Army. Losses to the Czech Republic and Spain could put this country's Euro 2012 qualifying hopes in jeopardy.
Serbia
44 of 51
Group: C
Matches played: 3
Wins: 1
Draws: 1
Losses: 1
Goals forwarded: 5
Goals allowed: 4
Goal differential: +1
Points: 4
Grade: D+
Odds of qualifying: 5.50
Beli Orlovi have not gained their wings after their dismal performance at the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa. And to add insult to what has been an unimpressive qualifying campaign so far for the White Eagles, an investigation in the behavior of some hooligans (an example seen right here) may put their campaign in a state of flux. Nikola Žigić leads Serbia in scoring with three goals so far in qualifying.
Slovakia
45 of 51
Group: B
Matches played: 4
Wins: 2
Draws: 1
Losses: 1
Goals forwarded: 4
Goals allowed: 4
Goal differential: 0
Points: 7
Grade: B-
Odds of qualifying: 6.00
So far, the Repre are jammed in a three-way tie with Armenia and Ireland for second-place in Group B but the productions leaves much to be desired. They have shown that they can win in the clutch, as seen in their 1-0 shutout win over Russia. A March 26 contest with Andorra should put the wheels in motion for separation from the chasing pack.
Slovenia
46 of 51
Group: C
Matches played: 4
Wins: 2
Draws: 1
Losses: 1
Goals forwarded: 7
Goals allowed: 3
Goal differential: 0
Points: 7
Grade: B+
Odds of qualifying: 6.00
Slovenia are a team on the rise, and with a 2-1-1 record through four matches, they are a prime contender to make the playoffs. A 1-1 draw with Serbia combined with a 1-0 defeat to Northern Ireland, however, could be a cause for concern as they head into the 2011 portion of the campaign. Slovenia is led by Tim Matavž, with three goals to his credit.
Spain
47 of 51
Group: I
Matches played: 3
Wins: 3
Draws: 0
Losses: 0
Goals forwarded: 10
Goals allowed: 3
Goal differential: +7
Points: 9
Grade: A
Odds of qualifying: 1.08
The reigning FIFA World Cup Champions haven't missed a beat from their triumphant 1-0 victory over Holland. In fact, they picked up from where they left off, rattling off victories over Lithuania, Liechtenstein and Scotland for a full nine points and the top spot in Group I.
Vicente del Bosque's Furia Roja are led by Fernando Llorente, who has three goals so far this season. Other key contributors to Spain's Euro 2012 qualification campaign include, Fernando Torres, David Villa and David Silva, all with two goals.
Oh yes, and the hero of that match against the Dutch, Mr. Andres Iniesta (who is pictured here in this slide for your punting enjoyment), is also on the score sheet after three matches. This is a balanced side that is poised to be at the big show in Poland and the Ukraine. Pencil them in, won't you?
Sweden
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Group: E
Matches played: 3
Wins: 2
Draws: 0
Losses: 1
Goals forwarded: 9
Goals allowed: 4
Goal differential: +5
Points: 6
Grade: B
Odds of qualifying: 7.00
The Blågult are off to a good start in Euro 2012 qualification, their only setback coming against the Netherlands. Sweden's 2-0 statement win over Hungary is a sign that they will make a strong push to make the playoffs, and there is a chance they could creep in there. The Blue-Yellows are led by Zlatan Ibrahimović and Pontus Wernbloom, who each have two goals to their credit.
Switzerland
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Group: G
Matches played: 3
Wins: 1
Draws: 0
Losses: 2
Goals forwarded: 5
Goals allowed: 5
Goal differential: 0
Points: 3
Grade: C+
Odds of qualifying: 20.00
Switzerland must be wondering how Montenegro got so red-hot all of a sudden, after being upended 1-0 on Oct. 8. The Schweizer Nati are being left in the dust by the Brave Falcons and England's Three Lions, scoring three points in as many matches. Valentin Stocker leads Switzerland's cause with two goals in qualifying group play.
Turkey
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Group: A
Matches played: 4
Wins: 2
Draws: 0
Losses: 2
Goals forwarded: 6
Goals allowed: 4
Goal differential: 0
Points: 6
Grade: B-
Odds of qualifying: 15.00
Turkey have had an inconsistent performance through four match, the most glaring being a 1-0 defeat to European minnow Azerbaijan. Hamit Altintrop and Arda Turan lead Turkey with two goals apiece, but cannot do it alone. Their next qualifier match is against Austria on March 29, 2011. Perhaps things will be sorted out for Ay Yıldızlar by then.
Wales
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Group: G
Matches played: 3
Wins: 0
Draws: 0
Losses: 3
Goals forwarded: 1
Goals allowed: 6
Goal differential: -4
Points: 0
Grade: F
Odds of qualifying: 501-1
John Toshack's resignation as Wales manager can only mean one thing, and one thing only: the Dragons are out of luck. The worse thing about this miserable Euro 2012 qualifying campaign is that they have yet to face England. Uh oh. Things aren't looking real pretty for the weakest of all four Home Associations, and that's no lie.
