Euro 2012 Qualifying: Your Must-Follow Matches For October 8-9

Where The Group Stands

Matches

The other match is an interesting one as well, as top of the group Norway take on underrated Cyprus.

Cyprus versus Norway, 2 pm Eastern, Friday

Where The Group Stands

Matches

Where The Group Stands

Matches

Just two rounds played thus far in Euro 2012 qualification, and many of the groups have already seen surprise upsets. For Group B, that surprise came when favorites Russia fell to Slovakia at home, 1-0. The loss leaves Russia third in the group, sitting on three points from their win over minnows Andorra, who have yet to collect any points and sit at the bottom of the group. Ireland currently lead Group B, with a better goal difference than Slovakia, but haven’t had a true test yet, with wins over Armenia and Andorra. Slovakia started off slow, needing extra time to pull off a win against Macedonia, but are riding high off that win over Russia.

Group B kicks off Euro action on Friday at 11am Eastern , with Slovakia traveling to Armenia in hopes that they can collect three points and move top of the table. Slovak striker Róbert Vittek, who scored four in World Cup play, is out with a knee injury. Vladimír Weiss has brought in Filip Šebo to replace him, and can also count on forward Stanislav Šesták. The repre will be looking to young midfield duo, captain Marek Hamšík and Miroslav Stoch, both to create chances and to finish them. While Hamšík’s form suffered in the first two qualification matches, he’s now scored four goals for Napoli in the club’s last five matches. Armenia’s only point is from their 2-2 draw against Macedonia, in which Macedonia scored the equalizer six minutes in to added time.

Where The Group Stands

Matches