| Group A | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 1 | +9 | 9 |
| Austria | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | +5 | 6 |
| Turkey | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 5 | +1 | 6 |
| Belgium | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 3 |
| Kazakhstan | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7 | −7 | 0 |
| Azerbaijan | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 9 | −8 | 0 |
Euro 2012 Qualifying, Group A: Where Germany’s Asserted Control
How Things Were, Before Friday: Germany’s win in Brussels had the favorites half-way toward controlling the group, with Belgium’s subsequent loss in Turkey leaving the Red Devils pointless after two rounds. With the Germans and Turks perched atop the group, Austria’s win over Kazakhstan, coupled with Belgian misfortunes, threatened to make this a four nation group.
Where They Stand, Now: For Germany, Turkey proved less of a problem than Belgium, while in Kazakhstan, Belgium overcame a scoreless first half to post their first three points. Meanwhile, Austria was cruising past Kazakhstan, staking an easy set of opening fixtures to second place.
Question That Will Define The Group, Going Forward: Did Marvin Ogunjimi’s second half brace fast-forward Belgium’s maturation?
Predicted Order Of Finish:
- Germany
- Belgium
- Turkey
- Austria
- Kazakhstan
- Azerbaijan
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