EURO 2012 | THE PERMUTATIONS
Group winners: Germany, 3-1 winners over Belgium in Dusseldorf, Italy, who spoilt outgoing Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington’s farewell, Holland, England and Spain had already cemented their place at next summer’s tournament, alongside co-hosts Poland and Ukraine, before last night’s matches. Joining them will be France, who required a Samir Nasri penalty 12 minutes from time to earn a point at home to Bosnia which saw them top Group D ahead of last night’s opponents. Euro 2004 winners Greece came from behind to win 2-1 in Georgia and finish at the head of Group F and Russia won 6-0 at home to Andorra to seal top spot in Group B ahead of Ireland. Meanwhile, Sunderland striker Nicklas Bendtner scored the decisive goal as Denmark beat Portugal 2-1 in Copenhagen to top Group H. Finally, Sweden came from behind, scoring twice in three minutes, to deny Holland a 100 per cent qualification record and more importantly go through as the best runners-up after a 3-2 victory.
Play-off bound: Belgium’s defeat against Germany meant Turkey’s 1-0 home win over Azerbaijan saw Guus Hiddink’s men snatch second place in Group A. In Group C Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic spurned a crucial penalty as Serbia crashed to a 1-0 defeat in Slovenia which saw Estonia hang on to second spot. Greece’s victory against Georgia meant Croatia’s 2-0 win over Latvia was rendered irrelevant, while Montenegro were already assured of a play-off berth before last night’s defeat in Switzerland. Portugal, Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland and Bosnia complete the line-up.