Playoff draw
October 13, 2011
The remaining eight nations still hopeful of qualifying for the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship learned their playoff fates Thursday, with Turkey pitted against Croatia and Portugal again forced to get past Bosnia.
Portugal, who finished runners-up in 2004, had to beat the Bosnians in order to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Whilst star midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo will undoubtedly feature for the Iberians, Bosnia should also have a potent strike force spearheaded by Manchester City forward Edin Dzeko.
Turkey and Croatia, meanwhile, will still remember their thrilling quarterfinal at Euro 2008, with the Turks prevailing on penalties after cancelling out Croatia's 119th-minute lead in the dying seconds of extra time.
In the other two playoff ties, Estonia have the tough task of getting past a determined Ireland, whilst Czech Republic will face Montenegro.
The first legs will be held November 11-12 with the returns all on November 15.
The four winners will join the 10 teams - including heavyweights Spain, Germany, Holland, Italy and England - who have already booked their place at the Euro 2012 finals, as well as joint hosts Poland and Ukraine.
Author: Darren Mara
Editor: Martin Kuebler