| Group B | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slovakia | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| Russia | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | +2 | 6 |
| Republic of Ireland | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 4 | +2 | 6 |
| Armenia | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 | +1 | 4 |
| Macedonia | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 4 |
| Andorra | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 7 | −6 | 0 |
Euro 2012 Qualifying, Group B: Slovakia, Russia, Ireland Try To Give Away Control
How Things Were, Before Friday: Slovakia’s win in Moscow had given them the group’s first advantage - three points few expected them to get. At the same time, the Dick Advocaat era in Moscow had gotten off to a disastrous start. And as they looked-on from their minnow-battling distance, Ireland had not only raced to the top of the group but also, having seen the group favorites lose at home, given themselves reason to believe they could win the group.
Where They Stand, Now: Ireland was rocked in Dublin by Russia. Although the final score, 2-3, was close, Russia scoring three goals against a Giovanni Trapattoni team intent on preventing goals exposed the former group-leaders. Combine that with Slovakia’s shock loss in Armenia and Macedonia’s first win and five nations are within two points at the top of the group.
Question That Will Define The Group, Going Forward: Can Slovakia do what Russia and Ireland did not: Get points at home?
Predicted Order Of Finish:
- Russia
- Ireland
- Slovakia
- Armenia
- Macedonia
- Andorra
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