JTG said:
Group 3: Czech Republic, Poland, Northern Ireland, Slovakia, Slovenia, San Marino
The Czechs aren't the force that they used to be, and the Poles have done well in the Euros qualifying group but are beatable. If Northern Ireland can achieve a consistent run of form and Healy has his shooting boots on again, I can see them getting in the play-offs from this group.
Group 4: Germany, Russia, Finland, Wales, Azerbaijan, Liechtenstein
This will be very, very tough for the Welsh. They can start by taking 12 points from the matches against the minnows, but Azerbaijan are not the easiest of opponents.
Group 6: Croatia, England, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Andorra
Certainly harder than the Euros group out of which we have just, abysmally, failed to qualify.
The players will certainly be up for the Croatia matches and at least they're not Italy, France or Germany. Ukraine may be entering a period of decline but still won't be an easy proposition. Belarus I don't know much about, but should not be taken lightly. And the away match in Kazakhstan could be interesting .... wonder if they'll send Sacha Baron Cohen out there as a special envoy like they did with Norman Wisdom when we played Albania.
Group 8: Italy, Bulgaria, Republic of Ireland, Cyprus, Georgia, Montenegro
Very, very tough indeed for the Republic. Can't see them coming out of that group. Even Montenegro, who could be tougher opponents than the sixth seeding suggests.
Group 9: Holland, Scotland, Norway, FYR Macedonia, Iceland
Not bad. The Dutch have just had a poor qualifying tournament and Van Basten is under pressure. Norway, Macedonia and Iceland can all be strong on their day but if the Scots can continue their present progress, I reckon they'll make the play-offs out of this group.
