Barmy
10-05-2005, 11:06 AM
ENGLAND fans — get ready to cheer on Holland against the Czechs on Saturday night.
If Sven Goran Eriksson’s side beat Austria then a victory for Marco van Basten’s Dutch will GUARANTEE us a spot in next year’s World Cup finals.
That is because England would be certain of one of the places reserved for the two best group runners-up — and a direct route to Germany.
There are 14 places for European sides at the tournament. The hosts, the eight group winners, the top two runners-up plus the three play-off winners.
This is how England can qualify:
Beat Austria on Saturday and Poland next Wednesday to finish top of Group Six.
Beat Austria and Holland beat the Czech Republic in Group One.
Beat Austria and Holland draw with the Czechs. Then England need only
a point against Poland.
Even if England lose against both Austria and Poland they are assured of a play-off spot.
The Dutch kick off against the Czechs at 7.30pm.
If Sven Goran Eriksson’s side beat Austria then a victory for Marco van Basten’s Dutch will GUARANTEE us a spot in next year’s World Cup finals.
That is because England would be certain of one of the places reserved for the two best group runners-up — and a direct route to Germany.
There are 14 places for European sides at the tournament. The hosts, the eight group winners, the top two runners-up plus the three play-off winners.
This is how England can qualify:
Beat Austria on Saturday and Poland next Wednesday to finish top of Group Six.
Beat Austria and Holland beat the Czech Republic in Group One.
Beat Austria and Holland draw with the Czechs. Then England need only
a point against Poland.
Even if England lose against both Austria and Poland they are assured of a play-off spot.
The Dutch kick off against the Czechs at 7.30pm.