September 10, 2003	Wednesday	Rajab 12, 1424

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PARIS, Sept 9: European soccer giants France and Italy could lead as many as eight teams in booking their berths in the 16 side Euro 2004 finals on Wednesday night as they contest the latest round of qualifiers.

The penultimate qualifiers could see France, Denmark, one of Czech Republic or Holland, Sweden, Greece, Bulgaria, Italy and Switzerland join the hosts in what is reputed to be the world’s third biggest sporting event after the Olympics and the World Cup.

Germany, record three-time winners, will not be able to seal their place even with victory over Scotland in Dortmund after slipping up with a draw in Iceland on Saturday.

The 2002 World Cup finalists will have to wait till Iceland visit on Oct 11.

Jacques Santini’s France, easy 5-0 winners over Cyprus and who can earn their ticket with a point in Slovenia, were still doubtful over the fitness of midfield maestro Zinedine Zidane.

The artistry of Zidane, who hurt his left thigh in Spanish league action last week, might not have been missed against Cyprus but his inclusion, both for sporting and morale reasons, will be important against the Slovenians.

The 1992 fairytale champions Denmark, who only qualified by the back door after war-torn Yugoslavia were excluded but went on to triumph, could qualify by right on Wednesday.

Morten Olsen’s men only need a point at home to Romania to guarantee top spot in Group 2 with a round of matches still to go.

Czech Republic, the 1996 runners-up as Czechoslovakia, entertain 1988 champions Holland in a winner-takes-all battle. Whoever wins this Group 3 shootout will be going to Portugal next year with the losers at least assured of a play-off spot.

All 10 group winners go through with runners-up playing two-leg play-offs for the five remaining places.

Sweden can earn their passage with a tricky victory in Poland in Group 4 butermany will have to wait for their ticket from Group 5 even if they beat Scotland in Dortmund.

German coach Rudi Voller was handed a piece of bad news on Monday when tough-tackling midfielder Jens Jeremies was declared unfit for the Westfalen Stadium clash and the likelihood that Sebastian Deisler looks set to miss out as well.

Greece, who have no fixture this week, will qualify from Group 6 in the unlikely event of Spain losing at home to Ukraine.

Greece are still favourites to win the group however with their last match at home to Northern Ireland who have not scored in 11 matches, including against minnows Cyprus, Liechtenstein and Armenia.

England host Liechtenstein on Wednesday and the expected three points mean they will need a draw against 2002 World Cup semifinalists Turkey in their final Group 7 match to come out top.

England captain David Beckham, who will be making his first visit to the stadium he graced for Manchester United since his summer move to Real Madrid.

In Group 8, 1994 World Cup semifinalists Bulgaria, will go through if they win in Andorra and Belgium beat visitors Croatia.

Italy received a welcome boost Monday ahead of this week’s match against Serbia and Montenegro when Alessio Tacchinardi returned to training having recovered from a leg injury.

The 28-year-old midfielder missed Saturday’s 4-0 demolition of Wales at the San Siro which saw the Italians replace Mark Hughes’ men at the top of Group 9.

Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni has a full squad of 22 players to choose from for the match. A win will secure Italy’s place in the finals should Wales fail to beat Finland in Cardiff.—AFP