With just a few rounds left in the European Championship qualifiers Tuesday nights clashes will be key to which countries will be at next summers tournament.
Germany became the first team from the European section to qualify for Euro 2012 on Friday night.
Some other big nations are hoping to edge closer to qualification with victories on Tuesday. Here are some of the crucial clashes:
Russia vs. Republic of Ireland
The top two teams in group B go head to head in this vital fixture. The Irish couldn’t find a way past third place Slovakia on Friday night, while the Russians claimed a 1-0 victory over group strugglers Macedonia.
Russia are currently two points clear of Giovanni Trappatoni’s men and victory could give them the edge in qualifying as group winners. This is a must win game for Ireland, if they are to have any chance of winning the group.
Prediction: 2-1 victory for Russia
Italy vs. Slovenia
Former-World Champions Italy could go one step closer to qualifying for next years competition with a victory over Slovenia. Slovenia are currently second in the group but Italy are eight points clear with a game in-hand.
Italy are going through something of a transitional period but that hasn’t stopped the Azzurri topping the group and only failing to win one of their fixtures in group C so far. It will be a tough ask for Slovenia to go and win in Italy but they have to if they want to win the group.
Prediction: 2-0 victory for Italy
Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Belarus
The second and third placed teams in group D meet at the Bilino Polje Stadium. The home side are currently trailing group leaders France by three points and still have hopes of top spot. The visitors however still have high hopes of securing second place.
If Belarus want to get a place in the top two then a victory in Bosnia is vital. Belarus are just one point behind the home side but the Bosnians have a game in-hand. That means its vital for the visitors to win this game.
Prediction: 1-0 victory for Bosnia
England vs. Wales
Both of these countries were impressive with victories on Friday night. England secured a 3-0 victory away at Bulgaria and produced a good display in Sofia. Wales gained their first competitive victory under Gary Speed with a 2-1 victory over Montenegro.
Those results mean that England are now three points clear of the Montenegrins in the group table. A victory over the Welsh at Wembley means that the Three Lions would only need a draw away to Montenegro to qualify as group winners.
The home side however are completely out of the running for qualification. Although Wales boss Gary Speed will be hoping to build on victory in their last game. The likes of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey will be looking help their country cause a shock at Wembley.
The Welsh will go into this clash as massive underdogs and probably rightly so considering their recent form. I can’t see past an England victory in this one.
Prediction: 3-1 victory for England
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