Group A: Many of the key German players have been struggling in their domestic league recently, but as soon as they put their national shirt on they shine. They are truly one of the great European sides, gelling together as a team possibly greater than anyone else other than Spain. There recent performances leave no doubt that their achievements in the World Cup were a fluke. After Germany, Austria have looked good in their opening games, but they will be wary of the experience of Turkey, who are just behind them and who are the second favorites in this group.
Group B: The winner could be any of Ireland, Russia, and Slovakia. Armenia has started well but few would bet on them progressing further. This is one of the most open and less predictable groups in the 2012 qualifiers. Russia and Ireland are the rank favorites to go through, and both nations are desperate to do so after their failure to qualify for the World Cup in 2010. Russia will be particularly keen to play in its neighboring country Ukraine.
Group C: Italy continue to underwhelm. For the time being their glory days seem to be firmly behind them. Granted, they are top of the group, but this is after squeaking out results from low ranked teams. Serbia are many peoples favorites to win the group, but they have had a terrible start. It remains to be seen whether this is just a glitch or a sign of things to come. Slovenia won’t mind though. They are another strong eastern European team that on the basis of the games played so far, look like they well might take one of the two top spots.
Group D: Like Russia, Belarus are desperate to play in their neighboring country Ukraine, and it has shown so far with some great performances from them. France are somehow on top, but they continue to play poorly and no longer are they one of Europe’s top teams. Lack of serious competition in their group however means that they will probably go through.
Group E: The Netherlands have carried on where they left of in the World Cup 2010 – great results and fantastic performances. They look certain to top the group. After that Sweden should be the second favorites, but Hungary have not played this well since their glory days in the 1950’s..
Group F: A very open group this. Croatia are the favorites, but Greece have a habit of charging through qualification competitions. After those two teams there is nothing to pick between Israel, Georgia and Latvia.
Group G: Montenegro are on top! A nation that has never qualified for a major tournament, this could well be their big chance. England would be expected to win the table, but their performances of late have just further depressed English fans. Bulgaria and Switzerland are European relative powerhouses who will both be expecting to qualify. This makes this group one of the most competitive of all.
Group H: A three-way battle between Norway, Denmark and Portugal. Portugal have the players to win the group, but the team performs very inconsistently. It has been a long time since Norway have qualified for anything, and they really want this one. Their 2 games against Denmark could seal it either way.
Group I: Spain will win it – I would bet my house on it. I would also bet my car on Czech Republic coming second. The remaining three teams are second rate and will be hoping for a play-off place at best.
For more information on the qualifying competition for Europe 2012, go to: en.wikipedia.org