It is certainly getting down to the nitty-gritty for Euro 2008 qualifying. The main surprise of the weekend's matches was Scotland's impressive performance against the Ukraine. If Scotland could somehow manage a result in their final match against Italy, this would leave either France or likely Italy (the top two teams in the last World Cup, lest anyone should have forgotten...) completely out of the tournament. Although this scenario is hardly one I see as probable, neither is Scotland leading the group at this late stage.
In England's much hyped match, the team produced the result they needed by beating a weak Estonian side. Despite a 3-0 score line, the English were once again less than convincing. Two fluky goals and some instances of skaky defense will again leave a host of question marks about England as a team. The midweek match in Russia could be a far more telling encounter, particularly with England lacking defender Ashley Cole, although playing on a turf field (welcome to the world of soccer in the north) leaves room for England to place the blame, should the match go poorly.
Other results were as expected with Germany being the first team to qualify for the tournament. The qualification picture should be much clearer by this time next week.
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