Northern Ireland make incredible start
Fabio Capello will be delighted with England's start but there were mixed fortunes for the Home Nations and Republic of Ireland. Here's how each is shaping up...
Republic of Ireland
The Boys in Green weren't brilliant in Armenia, with substitute Keith Fahey saving the day in the 76th minute, however the slim margin of success was no great shock given that Republic of Ireland last won an away qualifier by more than a goal in June 2005 - and that was against the Faroe Islands. Russia and Slovakia both won too, so Ireland are [4.0] to top the group.
Northern Ireland
Nigel Worthington's men were responsible for one of the most impressive results of the opening night after winning 1-0 away at Slovenia, who last lost a competitive home game in November 2007. Manchester United youngster Corry Evans scored the decisive goal but there will be no time for back-patting as they still have to travel to Italy and Serbia.
Scotland
In our Group I preview, we mused that Scotland would need to beat Czech Republic at home and Lithuania away to reach the play-offs, so yesterday's 0-0 draw in Kaunas was a big blow. A return to winning ways will almost certainly be negotiated at home to Liechtenstein on Tuesday, yet there won't be many rushing to back Craig Levein's men to finish first at [8.2].
Wales
From the start, we maintained that Group G was tough because of the absence of a genuine minnow, with Montenegro only seeded so low because they haven't been around for long, and Wales learnt the hard way how tricky a test they pose with a 1-0 loss there last night. John Toshack's side aren't playing in midweek and are [11.0] outsiders to wind up top.
How many of the four will qualify? Share your predictions below...
Published: 4 Sep 2010
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