The Republic of Ireland will have to do it the hard way via the play-offs if they're to be at Euro 2012 next summer after beating Armenia 2-1 tonight. But after a shaky start and a second-half dismissal by Kevin Doyle, they'll be happy to at least have achieved that much.
The match was evenly balanced at the start until the unlucky Armenian keeper Roman Berezovski was dismissed in the 27th minute when adjudged to have handled outside the box - replays suggested the ball had hit his chest. Things went from bad to worse for Armenia when they conceded via a ridiculous own goal and the match looked over when Richard Dunne, matched at 16.531/2 to score at anytime, made it two from close range. But Armenia hit back through Henrik Mkhitaryan and after Doyle was sent off after appearing to catch an opponent with the elbow, Ireland had to defend resolutely to avoid any further damage. The home win was matched at 1.855/6 and 2-1 at 28.027/1. Ireland are now 2.1211/10 to qualify for next summer's tournament before their opponents are known. Meanwhile, the side who topped their group - Russia - won 6-0 against Andorra. Six goals or more in the match was backed at 5.39/2.
In Bulgaria, Wales ended the campaign in style by winning 1-0 courtesy of a Gareth Bale goal, the Spurs man was matched at 5.95/1 to score at anytime. There will be no Euro 2012 for Gary Speed's team but they look far better side than they did a year ago.
In Group E there was the rarest of qualifying defeats for Netherlands. Had they won, this would have been the second consecutive qualifying campaign they would have completed with an 100% record but they went down 3-2 in Sweden. The home win was matched at 13.525/2 after they went 2-1 down and the final scoreline at 70.069/1. But both qualify; Sweden were matched at a high of 2.942/1 to do so.
2004 champions Greece are also safely through to Euro 2012 after beating Georgia 2-1 after two late goals . They were matched at a high of 2.245/4 on the "to qualify" market. The team they beat in that final, Portugal, will need to take the play-off route to be at Euro 2012 after failing to get the draw they needed away in Denmark. The Danes won 2-1 after being matched at 4.131/10 .