Tuesday's slate of Euro 2012 qualifiers features four first versus second match-ups, though it's a first versus fourth match - Serbia's trip to Genoa - that provides the kind of quality-plus-desperation drama that transcends any early, battle to top the table, matches.
Euro 2012 Qualifying: Must Follow Matches For October 12
Consider Serbia, who are coming-off a home loss to Estonia - the kind of performance that could get a coach fired. Unfortunately, Serbia had just fired their coach (Radomir Antic) and replaced him with Vladomir Petrovic. Firing Petrovic would only feed the chaos, yet if the Eagles were to go into Genoa and get a result (not unrealistic, given their talent), they’d project their chaos into a group where Northern Ireland would assume the inside track.
We’ll have more on that match-up in our Group C preview. That and the rest of the group previews will be released throughout the day, but if you are looking for a quicker guide to tomorrow’s 22-match slate, here are six must follow games, many of which will be available live and via replay on ESPN3.com:
6. Belarus versus Albania, Group D, 1:30 p.m. EST, Stadyen Spartak, Mogilev - This is not a joke. These teams are undefeated, tied for second place in Group D, one point behind France. Three points for one team on Tuesday gives Cinderella another hour at the ball.
5. Scotland versus Spain, Group I, 3:00 p.m. EST, Hampden Park, Glasgow [ESPN3.com] - One of the day's four battles between first and second place teams, it will be interesting to see how Gary Caldwell and David Weir hold-up against la Roja's pressure, though the two central defenders shouldn't be singled-out. It's not like the rest of the Tartan Army matches up well.
4. Italy versus Serbia, Group C, 2:50 p.m. EST, Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris, Genova - These teams combined for one point on Friday, with Italy posting a respectable (if uninspiring) draw in Belfast. Serbia drops a bomb on this group if they get three, potentially sending Estonia top.
3. England versus Montenegro, Group G, 3:00 p.m. EST, Wembley Stadium, London - Both teams are perfect, though England's played one fewer match. England could be rusty, having not played together in a month. Regardless, this could be the wake-up for Montenegro from their 1-0-riddled dreams.
2. Slovakia versus Ireland, Group B, 2:30 p.m. EST, Stadion Pod Dubnom, Zilina [ESPN3.com] - By the transitive property of soccer results, Ireland will win this one. Slovakia beat Russia in Moscow, with the Russians going on to beat the Irish in Dublin. The circle can not be complete unless Ireland wins in Zilina.
1. Netherlands versus Sweden, Group E, 2:30 p.m. EST, Amerstdam ArenA, Amsterdam [ESPN3.com] - Perhaps the Dutch were looking toward this match while struggling through an unexpectedly close 0-1 win in Moldova; regardless, two perfect teams will take the pitch in Amsterdam, where a draw for the Swedes would give them control of the group.
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