The road to Euro 2008

Qualification permutations ahead of the final fixtures

By Rob Parrish   Last updated: 19th November 2007

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The long and winding road to Austria and Switzerland is nearing an end, with the Euro 2008 hopes and dreams of several nations still in the balance.

Alongside the two hosts, 10 teams have already booked their places at the finals next summer, with a further four places available and nine sides still in contention.

The hopes of the home nations rest with England and Northern Ireland as they prepare to tackle Croatia and Spain, respectively.

Here, skysports.com looks at all the qualification permutations in each group.

Group A

Qualified: Poland

Contenders: Portugal, Finland, Serbia

Poland made sure of their qualification with a 2-0 victory over Belgium at the weekend, and they will be joined by Portugal should the Iberian side avoid defeat against Finland on Wednesday.

A Finnish victory would move the Scandinavian side up to second, but would also open the door for Serbia, who still have two games remaining.

Should Serbia then go on to win their remaining home matches against Poland and Kazakhstan, then Javier Clemente's side would sneak through on the basis of their superior record against their qualification rivals.

Group B

Qualified: Italy and France

Italy broke Scotland hearts and booked their place in the finals with their dramatic 2-1 win at Hampden Park on Saturday, a result which also ensured France would be present in Austria and Switzerland.

Group C

Qualified: Greece

Contenders: Turkey and Norway

Reigning European Champions Greece are already through to defend the trophy they won against all the odds in 2004, with Turkey and Norway battling to join them.

The Turks gained the upper hand with Saturday's 2-1 triumph in Oslo, leaving Fatih Terim's side needing victory at home to Bosnia in midweek to be sure of progress.

But should Turkey not win, Norway can qualify with victory away to Malta. If the teams are level on points, Turkey go through.

Group D

Qualified: Czech Republic and Germany

Czech Republic and Germany were the comfortable qualifiers as the Republic of Ireland and Wales saw their hopes flounder during disappointing campaigns.

Group E

Qualified: Croatia

Contenders: England and Russia

England go into their final fixture against already-qualified Croatia knowing that they could top the group, go through in second place, or miss out altogether.

Any victory by three goals will see Steve McClaren's men finish in first place, while a two or one-goal triumph for England or a draw would confirm Slaven Bilic's side as group winners with the Three Lions through in second spot.

But a Wembley defeat for England would allow Russia to move back into second with victory in their final clash with Andorra.

Group F

Qualified: Spain

Contenders: Sweden and Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland's dream of reaching Euro 2008 remains alive heading into what promises to be a dramatic final evening.

David Healy's record-breaking 13th goal in qualification secured a 2-1 win over Denmark and moved Nigel Worthington's side to within three points of Sweden, who were beaten 3-0 by Spain as Luis Aragones' men secured their safe passage.

Healy must inspire the Irish to victory once again as they travel to Spain, and hope that Sweden suffer a home defeat at the hands of Latvia.

Group G

Qualified: Romania and Holland

Romania booked their place in the finals before the latest round of matches, and Holland made sure they would be at the party in Austria and Switzerland with Saturday's 1-0 win over minnows Luxembourg.