For the most part, Friday's games played out as expected. Bosnia and Portugal were defensive in a 0-0 draw, but both Postiga and Ibisevic missed golden opportunities for their respective sides. The Czechs took down Montenegro 2-0 in a very narrow game, but the key was the second goal for the Czechs, which came in extra time. I mentioned how solid both of these sides are defensively, and the two-goal deficit makes for a difficult task for Montenegro. An away goal by the Czechs would end the tie, and while I don't want to give up on the underdogs, they would need a historic effort to go through. Ireland is in fantastic shape after a 4-0 win in Estonia. The Irish got the early goal they needed and let the Estonians self-destruct - they ended the game with just nine men. The game at the Aviva is merely a formality, and some of the unfancied players in Ireland's team may feature. Croatia's 3-0 win in Turkey came as somewhat of a surprise, but only for the margin. Croatia have been in far better form and were tested better in the group stage than the Turks, and their quality showed. It was almost too easy for the Croats, and a for a side managed by Guus Hiddink, Turkey must be very disappointed.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON TUESDAY: Ireland's tie with Estonia is finished, as is Croatia's with Turkey. Both sides should be heading to Euro 2012 barring a miraculous comeback. Portugal-Bosnia will be the best match of the day. Portugal are the better side and played better despite being away from home in the first leg. However, Bosnia was excellent in their last game away, a 1-1 draw in France. A 1-1 draw would send the Bosnians through on away goals, so while they will likely start conservatively, a goal would put them in a great position. I thought that if Bosnia could squeak a goal at home they would be able to go through, but now Portugal are definite favorites and should take care of business at home. 2-0 looks like a probable result. Montenegro face a two-goal deficit when they return home, but they lack the attacking power. I would give them a better chance if it was only 1-0, but the second goal is really the nail in the coffin. It is not an impossible task, but this game will likely end 0-0 or 1-1.
That leaves us with Ireland, Croatia, Portugal and the Czech Republic coming through the playoffs. They would join Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, and Ukraine in next summer's tournament. Euro 2012 is the last version of the tournament featuring sixteen teams - future tournaments will have twenty-four teams. I'll have a recap of the playoffs and small preview of the finals Tuesday night.
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