Euro 2012 Betting: Resilient Republic of Ireland edge closer

Republic of Ireland

After somehow clinging on for a 0-0 draw against Russia, with Aston Villa pair Richard Dunne and Shay Given the star turns as they kept a seventh straight clean sheet, things look good for Giovanni Trapattoni's side.

Slovakia's shock 4-0 home defeat to overachieving Armenia later in the evening ensures that if the Boys in Green win their final two qualifiers - away to Andorra and at home to Armenia - they are guaranteed a play-off place, while they would finish first were Russia to lose away to Slovakia.

Republic of Ireland are 2.265/4 to qualify and 3.412/5 to top Group B.

Scotland

Victory over Lithuania, secured courtesy of Barry Bannan's fine assist for Steven Naismith shortly after half-time, ensures that Scotland are still in with a chance, but the controversy at the end of Saturday's 2-2 draw with Czech Republic threatens to prove decisive.

Craig Levein's men require more points than the Czechs, who boast head-to-head superiority and are two clear, so must hope that their rivals lose at home to Spain and are either held in Lithuania or that Scotland take at least a point in Spain in their final fixture.

Scotland are 6.25/1 to qualify and can't top Group I.

Northern Ireland

Frustration will be the order of the day in Belfast after the hard work put into holding Italy and taking four points off Slovenia was undone firstly with a draw in the Faroe Islands and now through Tuesday's crushing 4-1 defeat to Estonia.

Nigel Worthington's team trail second-placed Serbia by five points and though it is mathematically possible for them to progress, they require wins over Estonia and in Italy, and for Serbia to be beaten by both Italy and Slovenia.

Northern Ireland are 20.019/1 to qualify and can't top Group C.

Wales

Wales were out of contention in Group G long before their spirited 1-0 reverse at Wembley, so must instead content themselves with wrecking other nations' plans and boosting their dire world ranking of 117.

Their triumph over Montenegro on Friday damaged the latter's bid for first place and next up they will have an opportunity to thwart Switzerland's renaissance and late play-off push in Swansea.

Wales are unable to qualify from Group G.