EURO 2012 Qualifiers

The round robin phase of EURO 2012 qualifiers concluded in quite exciting fashion this morning New Zealand time. Here were some key results:

France 1-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina
- Edin Dzeko's wonder goal was cancelled out by a controversial 2nd half penalty put away by Samir Nasri. The penalty earned France a point and was enough to see them automatically qualify for EURO 2012 while Bosnia enter the playoffs.

Republic of Ireland 2-1 Armenia
- An unfortunate own goal helps the plucky Irish to another playoff series. Anything is possible now.


Spain 3-1 Scotland/Lithuania 1-3 Czech Republic
- Both games had the same scoring sequence. 3 goals in the first half, then 1 consolation to the other half in the second half. The outcome: Czechs in the playoffs, Scotland are out (yawn) again.

Sweden 3-2 Netherlands/Denmark 2-1 Portugal
- Magic night for the Scandinavian powerhouses who booked their places in EURO 2012 with the games of the night.

Finally, Slovenia 1-0 Serbia
- Serbia choked and surrender Estonia their ticket to the playoffs.

I note that the FIFA World Rankings are currently dominated by UEFA sides with Uruguay propping up the top 4. Spain are on top and probably deservedly so. They are easily the best football team in the world IMO, have most of the best players in the world and really should defend their European title easily. Is it any surprise that Barcelona, home club for most of the Spanish national team, are also doing it quite easily on the club scene?

Germany and the Netherlands should be Spain's closest rivals next year as they are similar in ethos - they believe in youth, keeping the ball with a skilful, pleasing-to-the-eye passing game and have had the same coach for the last 4 years. The Dutch tried the physical approach in the World Cup final and still failed to beat the Spanish, so ultimately, Spain's giant killers will not be kicking their players in the chest ala Nigel de Jong.

In reality, no one quite knows how to take down this Spanish team in a competitive setting. They're still very much in full flow and the dominant force in football. However, if you have an idea, let the German and Dutch FAs know. Mind you, I'm enjoying every moment of this Spanish football dominance. They are a joy to watch and long may it last.

And by hook or crook, I'll be in Poland/Ukraine hopefully to watch these maestros do their work.