Wednesday's Euro Qualifying Matches: Group B
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by Foolsgold
France vs. Scotland, Parc des Princes - Paris
Les Bleus can put a little distance between themselves and the second place Scots here with a win in Paris. In fact, it'd probably be a good idea if the did so, since even if Italy win, a French win at the Faroe Islands in October would all but assure themselves advancement. Just don't expect the Scots to make it too easy for them.
Scotland needs any points they can garner from this match and in fact, a draw would put them at the top of the group since they beat France 1-0 back in October of 2006. Looking at the remainder of their schedule though, home against Ukraine, away at Georgia, and home against Italy, they have no easy points coming their way, so they'll have little choice but to go for the win.
Les Bleus probably hasn't forgotten their 1-0 loss at Hampden Park in Glasgow and will probably have revenge on their mind, while Scotland is a relatively poor side on the road. The French appear to be somewhat fit as does their opponent, but still, it's France in Paris, Les Bleus 2-0.
Ukraine vs. Italy, NSC Olympiyskiy Stadium - Kiev
After their crippling draw at Georgia on Saturday that saw the home-side score in the final minutes and snatch three crucial points from them, this game becomes a must-win for the Ukraine. A loss here and they can forget about qualifying and have to resort themselves to a spoiler role.
Italy is in a somewhat similar situation, though they could settle for a draw. They have two relatively easy home fixtures left in Georgia and the Faroe Islands, and also have a potentially huge match at Scotland on November 17th. They might be thinking that France will beat Scotland, so a draw will put them in second place. Scotland though, also has a similarly easy schedule left, so it'll only mean they'll have to win at Hampden Park come November.
The problem for Azzurri is that they will be missing Gennaro Gattuso due to suspension and possibly Andrea Pirlo, Gianluca Zambrotta, and Daniele De Rossi due to injury. If they do end up not having either Pirlo or Zambrotta, I don't think they can win here and should probably try to settle for the draw. Either way, the Ukraine knows what they have to do and I expect them to get it done, 2-1.
Lithuania vs. Faroe Islands, S. Darius & S. Girenas - Kaunas
Lithuania gets a chance to pad their stats as the Faroe Islands come to town in a truly meaningless match as the Faroe Islands are and Lithuania virtually is eliminated. Lithuania, 5-0.
Originally posted here
