This week, qualifying matches for the 2024 European Championship start again. From Thursday, September 7, we can enjoy interesting European football.
Group A – Scotland, Georgia, Norway, Spain, Cyprus
Scotland are first in this group, but they have already played and won four matches. Top-ranked Spain, for example, have only played 2 matches. Still, it will be a difficult task for the southern country to overtake the Scots yet: they need at least 9 more points to be at the very top.
The first countries that may be in action are Georgia and Spain, playing each other on 8 September. It will be a great opportunity for Spain to take the 3 points once again, and that would already put them in second place. On the same day, Scotland and Cyprus will also play each other. Cyprus have not been able to win a single match yet, and it does not look like Scotland will give up the winning streak either.
Group B – France, Greece, Ireland, Netherlands, Gibraltar
In Group B, it is no surprise that France is in first place. The top nation has not lost a single match yet. In fact, 2nd-placed Greece is already 6 points behind. Ireland and the Netherlands both have 3 points, but the Netherlands still has a match to go. Gibraltar especially has to suffer: it has not been able to win yet.
The next match in this group is one between the Netherlands and Greece. If the Netherlands wins, it will have as many points as Greece, but it will have to boost its goal difference thoroughly.
At the same time, France and Ireland will face each other. The leader will not have to worry too much, as Ireland only managed to win once in 2 matches, but still, France will not have to be too nonchalant.
Group C – England, Ukraine, Italy, North Macedonia, Malta
England are playing a flawless course, with 4 wins so far. Ukraine is also doing well, but still faces a 6-point deficit. Reigning European champions Italy have managed 1 win and lost 1 as well, but still have a lot of matches to go. North Macedonia and Malta mainly have to chase and suffer.
The next matches in the group will be played on 9 September, with the match between Ukraine and England especially to be looked forward to. Nos 1 and 2 in the rank are doing well, and Ukraine is all too keen to knock England off the throne. A little later, North Macedonia and Italy also play each other. While that should not be too much of a challenge for the Italians, the North Macedonians could take a lead if they win the match;
Group D – Turkey, Armenia, Croatia, Wales, Latvia
This weekend, Turkey and Armenia will face each other, meaning Armenia could take over the lead if they win. In addition, Croatia will face Latvia, but since the Baltic country could not win a match yet, Croatia has a prime opportunity to move up the rankings. Wales will have to sit this matchday out for a while: their chance to score points again is not until Monday 11 September.
Group E – Czech Republic, Albania, Moldova, Poland, Faroe Islands
In this group we also get a match between the leaders: the Czech Republic and Albania take on each other on Thursday 7 September. It is exciting between the two, the difference being just one point. So the winner of this duel will automatically become the leader in the group. At the same time, Poland plays against the Faroe Islands. Certainly not an impossible task for Lewandowski and his teammates, but if they lose they will be at the bottom of the league table.
Group F – Austria, Belgium, Sweden, Estonia, Azerbaijan
In our country’s group, it is Austria that will have to wait its turn. First up is Belgium playing Azerbaijan, a country that could not win a single match yet. Belgium can come out on top if they win the match. After that, Sweden will play Estonia on the same day. They have already lost 2 matches each, but Sweden has also won one while Estonia played a draw.
Group G – Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Lithuania
In this group, there are also two countries that seem to be on a similar pace: Hungary and Serbia have both already played 3 matches, including 2 wins and 1 draw. So they are on top with the same number of points, but Hungary has scored just 1 goal more. It is also those 2 countries that get to play first. After that, Lithuania and Montenegro will also play for the 3 points.
Group H – Finland, Kazakhstan, Denmark, Slovenia, Northern Ireland, San Marino
Northern Ireland and San Marino in particular will have to come out of their pipes strong if they still want to have a chance of qualifying. The San Marinese have yet to win any of the 4 matches played, while the Northern Irish have won 1 match. Kazakhstan may host Finland, so it will be an interesting battle between 1 and 2. San Marino must try to take points from Denmark, but that is no easy task. The last two countries, Slovenia and Northern Ireland, also take on each other for the 3 points.
Group I – Switzerland, Romania, Israel, Belarus, Kosovo, Andorra
Switzerland do not have to face any real competition, but they will still have to make a bigger lead against Romania. They can try to do that against Kosovo on 9 September.
Romania also plays against Israel then. An interesting match, because if Israel wins, they could come out on top. Andorra may try to boost its points balance against Belarus. However, the latter also urgently needs to gain extra points.
Group J – Portugal, Slovakia, Luxembourg, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein
Strong Portugal already took 12 points in four matches in this group, with Liechtenstein as the red lantern. Portugal plays another match against Slovakia, the winner will be the new leader.
Luxembourg plays Iceland on 8 September, which desperately needs to pick up points again. Liechtenstein, which has yet to score any points, can also try to do so at Bosnia and Herzegovina.
