Euro 2004 match preview capsules

LONDON (AP) -- A look ahead at Wednesday's 18 qualifying games for the 2004 European Championships:

Group 1

Malta vs. France

This is the mismatch of the day. The semipro team from the tiny Mediterranean island has not scored in two losses. Defending European champion France, with some of the best talent in Europe, is coming off a 5-0 drubbing of Slovenia and should pick up its third victory. "There's no such thing as easy matches any more," French striker Thierry Henry said. "Even though we're not expecting a defeat, we have to give our best."

Group 2

Norway vs. Bosnia

A victory over Bosnia would push Norway to the top of the group. Bosnia was boosted by a friendly 1-1 draw last week against Germany. Bosnia will be without injured forward Sergej Barbarez and striker Adnan Osmanhodzic. Norway will be without injured defender Ronny Johnsen. Goalkeeper Thomas Myhre is also doubtful.

Luxembourg vs. Romania

Smarting after a 1-0 loss on Saturday to Norway, Romania should win at Luxembourg. Romania will need the victory to keep pace with Norway, which is also expected to win. Goalkeeper Bogdan Stelea and defender Cristi Chivu are expected to miss the match.

Group 3

Austria leads the group with six points. Netherlands could draw even with a victory, but a loss would leave the Dutch in bad shape. Dutch coach Dick Advocaat calls it a "deciding" match. The Dutch will be without injured strikers Ruud van Nistelrooy and Pierre van Hooijdonk. Roy Makaay will get the call, with Clarence Seedorf also expected back. Austria coach Hans Krankl says he is relying on the "12th man" -- the home advantage -- to beat the talented Dutch.

Czech Republic vs. Belarus

The Czechs should win their second straight in qualifying, with Belarus likely to lose its third straight. The Czechs are healthy with midfielder Pavel Nedved and striker Milan Baros returning.

Group 4

Hungary is almost certain to pick up three points against one of Europe's minnows. Coupled with a 1-1 draw Saturday against struggling Sweden, the win will give Hungary a share of first place, with Latvia not playing. Hungary will field the same lineup for Wednesday's match at Ujpest stadium in northern Budapest.

Group 5

Germany is almost certain of a victory, which would move it into first place in the group ahead of idle Scotland. Three key players are back for Germany: midfielders Michael Ballack and Dietmar Hamann, and defender Christian Worns.

Iceland vs. Lithuania

These two clubs are quickly becoming also-rans. A win would give Lithuania six points in three matches. The victory would give Iceland three.

Group 6

Greece vs. Armenia

Greece has lost its first two games. The Greek's German coach, Otto Rehagel, has warned that the game is his side's "last hope." Right back Christos Patsatzoglou is doubtful with illness.

Northern Ireland vs. Ukraine

A victory will move Ukraine to the top of the group ahead of Spain, which does not play. Northern Ireland, fresh from losing 3-0 to Spain, will play a more offensive game against Ukraine. "We have got to get a result, it is as simple as that," Northern Ireland coach Sammy McIlroy said. The Irish will be without injured defender Gerry Taggart.

Group 7

Turkey should keep its record perfect with three straight wins. The only problem is injured goalkeeper Rustu Recber. He could be replaced by Omer Catkic.

England vs. Macedonia

England is expected to start nearly the same side it did in the 2-1 victory over Slovakia, with central defender Sol Campbell returning after missing out in Bratislava with a stomach ailment. England needs the win to keep pace with group favorite Turkey. Madedonia coach Nikola Ilievski-Djidji is threatening to quit, saying the side in is "chaos" and lacks organization.

Group 8

Estonia vs. Belgium

Belgium needs a victory to stay in the chase. Coach Aime Antheunis faces injury questions with Bob Peeters, Mbo Mpenza and Gaetan Englebert on the doubtful list. Estonia has a point from one match.

Bulgaria vs. Andorra

Bulgaria, the surprise team of the group, will be a prohibitive favorite to rack up its third win in three.

Group 9

Yugoslavia vs. Finland

After an encouraging 1-1 draw with Italy, Yugoslavia needs a win over Finland to maintain momentum. Coach Dejan Savicevic's only injury worry is defender Zoran Mirkovic. "The points against Italy will be worthless if we don't beat the Finns," Savicevic said.

Wales vs. Italy

Anything less than a victory could cost Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni his job. The man he replaced, Dino Zoff, is reported waiting in the wings. Striker Filippo Inazghi is out and Christian Vieiri and Francesco Totti will also miss the game. Wales midfielder Robbie Savage calls this the best Welsh team since the nation reached the 1958 World Cup finals.

Group 10

Ireland vs. Switzerland

After a 4-2 loss to Russia last month, Ireland can't afford another slip. Ireland has injury problems with midfielder Rory Delap out. The Irish will also be without Jeff Kenna and Andy O'Brien. The Swiss drew 1-1 Saturday with Albania; Switzerland has won only once in Dublin in the last 50 years.

Russia vs. Albania

Russia can move to the top of the group with its second win in two games. Albania will be missing forward Erion Bogdani and midfielder Devi Muka. Bogdani is out for what coach Giusseppe Dossena calls a lack of discipline. Russia, which saw its Saturday game in Georgia postponed when the lights went out after 40 minutes, wants the game replayed on a neutral venue.

 

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