Not all 24 participating countries are known yet. The final decisions will be made on Monday and Tuesday. And that very last round contains three matches that have become true finals. Direct matches between countries that can still qualify, but need a good result against their main competitor.
The most eye-catching match of the three is that of title holder Italy against Ukraine. The Italians are playing away, but due to the war between Russia and Ukraine, the match will be played on Monday evening in Leverkusen, Germany. The two countries, at an appropriate distance from England, are both on 13 points, but because Italy won the home match 2-1, a draw is enough for the team of national coach Luciano Spalletti.
If Ukraine wins, the Italians will have to try to get a ticket via the Nations League play-offs.
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Also in group E, where Albania has surprisingly already been placed, there is still a direct match for the second ticket at stake. The Czech Republic has the best credentials for this, but if Feyenoord’s Ondrej Lingr’s team loses to Moldova at home, that country will go to the European Championship. In that case, Albania and Moldova would ensure that Poland and the Czech Republic are not included for the time being.
The Czechs have to do without a suspended trio after visiting a nightclub on Saturday evening. “They regret it and have apologized to the team, but unfortunately that is not enough,” said national coach Jaroslav Silhavy.
Such a direct duel for a European Championship ticket also takes place in Slovenia. The home country must at least draw against Kazakhstan to reach the final tournament. If the visitors win, Kazakhstan will be there for the first time next summer. On Tuesday evening, Croatia must beat Armenia to keep Wales, which has two points less and is playing against already qualified Turkey, at bay.
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