2008 Euro qualifying Group D match previews: Not much different than Group C
| 3
|
by Foolsgold
San Marino vs. Czech Republic, 1315 EST Olimpico - Serravalle
San Marino has a grand total of zero points and a goal difference of -36 in the group. In other words, it's 'pad the stats' time for Jan Koller, Milan Baroš, Tomáš Rosický, and Stanislav Vlček. I'm surprised Pavel Nedvěd didn't come out of retirement for this one. With Petr Čech or even Martin Vaniak in goal and Marek Jankulovski, Tomáš Ujfaluši, and David Rozehnal among others in front of one of them, San Marino has absolutely no chance of scoring here. This one could get really ugly, but I'll go conservative and say 6-0.
Wales vs. Germany, 1430 EST Millennium - Cardiff
The only reason this could end up being a competitive match is that it's being held in Wales. Other than that, Germany has been given a massive boost, not only with the confidence they got by recently beating England at Wembley with what was essentially a B side, but a lot of the key players they were missing on that squad due to injury will be back in action. Miroslav Klose, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Lukas Podolski will be available to Germany head Joachim Löw when they take the pitch on Saturday.
Wales will have a solid squad lead by captain Craig Bellamy, promising young defender Gareth Bale, defensive mainstay Danny Gabbidon, as well as Premiership midfielders Jason Koumas and Simon Davies. For a country of it's size, that's an impressive group of players, but even at Millenium, they're going to have a hard time containing the relentless attack of the Germans.
The Germans know a win here and they're a virtual lock to advance to the Euro as three of their final four group matches are at home, including one against Cyprus. Wales has little choice here, they must get a win, but even if they do, their chances of advancing are very bleak. Germany, 3-1.
Slovakia vs. Republic of Ireland, 1330 EST Tehelné Pole - Bratislava
Easily the most competitive of the three group matches, Ireland sits four points above the Slovaks at 13 and 9 respectively. A win here gives Slovakia somewhat of a better chance to qualify as they still have to play San Marino twice and have a home fixture against Wales next Wednesday. If they can win this match and the three others, as well as get a draw at the Czechs on November 17th (long shot, I know), they may be the surprise team at Euro 2008. Ireland aren't going to just roll over and die though.
The Irish have suffered a bit from injury lately and will have to start Kevin Foley at right back over the much preferred Steve Finnan and his back-up Stephen Carr, both of whom are unavailable. Defenders John O'Shea and Paul McShane were originally questionable as well, but it looks like both will be able to go tomorrow. Up front and in the middle they are relatively healthy with the only absence being midfielder Darren Potter.
Ultimately, Ireland are slightly the better side, but Slovakia is playing at home. This match has draw written all over it, but I'm gonna go with the upset, Slovakia 2-1. I just have a feeling the Irish will underestimate their opponent here and a win means a lot more to the Slovaks.
Originally posted here
