Danish youngsters lead the way

By Greg Demetriou

All-conquering Denmark can take another step towards the finals as the UEFA European Under-21 Championship takes centre stage again today. The first two sides in each pool when the group stage ends in October will qualify for November's play-offs for the eight final tournament berths.

Tricky trip
Having won five and drawn one of their six games in Group 2, Denmark will look to extend that unbeaten sequence when they travel to Kiev to face Ukraine. Lying six points behind Denmark, the home side need to avenge a 3-2 defeat by the group leaders last September to stay in touch. Likewise Turkey, in second with eleven points, as they travel to Georgia. Elsewhere in the section, Albania go to Greece.

Pole position
One of the day's most mouthwatering contests comes in Senec as Portugal look to consolidate pole position in Group 3 against Slovakia. The home team know a win would take them level with the Portuguese on 12 points, with Russia, currently sandwiched between the sides, not playing until tomorrow's trip to Estonia. The group's other match sees Latvia receive Luxembourg.

Top two meet
Group 4 also boasts a hugely competitive fixture with first-placed France due in Herzliya to take on Israel. Both teams have ten points and will fancy their chances of making it to the play-offs. Switzerland, five points adrift, will make up the ground on at least one of the duo if they beat Cyprus, without a point from four games, at home.

Leaders inactive
With the runaway Group 5 leaders Italy not in action, Slovenia can reduce the gap to seven points if they win at home against Belarus, while Moldova and Norway are both a point adrift as they meet in Chisinau. Having allowed Germany a late equaliser in Group 6 on Friday, England will hope to move three points clear of the joint-leaders as they tackle Azerbaijan. Wales, meanwhile, must win in Austria to maintain their hopes of finishing in the top two.

One to watch
Another intriguing contest will come in Novi Sad as Spain travel to Serbia and Montenegro, with their sights set on top spot in Group 7. Belgium currently lead the way in the section and are not expected to slip up in San Marino while Bosnia-Herzegovina play Lithuania. The Group 8 leaders Croatia are also expected to win at home against Malta and move six points clear of Sweden. Hungary play Bulgaria in the day's other game.

Wednesday fixture
Finally, Group 1 leaders Romania are not in action until tomorrow when they travel to Skopje to face F.Y.R. Macedonia. The Romanians have 12 points from five matches, one more than the Czech Republic whose next game is in June. The Netherlands are five adrift of Romania and can close the gap, at least temporarily, when they welcome Armenia today.