What to watch out for in Thursday's qualifiers

Group A
Iceland's inside help
Almost 1% of the total population of Iceland will be at the Amsterdam ArenA for Thursday's crucial game against the Netherlands, which is a 50,000 sell-out. Iceland has about 330,000 inhabitants and they've taken up their full allocation – furthermore, striker Kolbeinn Sigthórsson has plenty of local knowledge having spent four years in Amsterdam with Ajax before leaving for Nantes this summer. Eidur Gudjohnsen, Aron Gunnarsson, Johann Gudmundsson, Alfred Finnbogason and Hannes Halldórsson have also represented Dutch clubs, with Halldórsson currently at NEC Nijmegen – where one (unnamed) team-mate is so confident the hosts will prevail he has offered to clean the goalkeeper's house if group leaders Iceland avoid defeat.
Netherlands v Iceland – 20.45CET

Czechs cannot afford another slip
The visit of Kazakhstan is vital for the Czech Republic, who collected just one point from their last two matches, at home to Latvia (1-1) and away to Iceland (1-2). Coach Pavel Vrba has called up a record 14 players from the Czech First League, including four newcomers, but must deal with an injury list including captain Tomáš Rosický, Jaroslav Plašil, Lukáš Vácha, Václav Pilař and most recently Tomáš Sivok. "Six points out of the two games against Kazakhstan and Latvia would set us up nicely for the end of the group," said Vrba, who knows getting points from the final fixture against the Netherlands could prove tricky.
Czech Republic v Kazakhstan – 20.45CET

Group B
Hennessey's half-century
Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey will win his 50th cap against Cyprus in Nicosia, having made his international debut as a second-half substitute in a 2-2 friendly draw with New Zealand on 26 May 2007. "It's a fantastic honour, I never thought I'd reach 50," explained Hennessey. "Cyprus were good last time and this match will be tough. We're all buzzing and want to do well for our country. We want to get over the line but are not thinking of qualifying yet. The only team out of it is Andorra and everyone else still has a chance. We are taking it game by game. The job isn't done yet."
Cyprus v Wales – 20.45CET

Sampdoria and Italy striker Éder is in good form©Getty Images

Group H
Éder awaits Italy close-up
After scoring as a substitute on his debut, March's 2-2 draw against Bulgaria, Brazil-born Éder is expected to spearhead the Italy attack against Malta, having hit four goals in two Serie A outings for Sampdoria this term. "The season has just started," the 28-year-old said. "For the time being, I'm just very happy to be part of this squad. I will give my best whenever I'm called on. I think there is the right blend of youth and more experienced players in this team. If we work hard together, we can achieve big things."
Italy v Malta – 20.45CET

Croatia face local hero
"We are looking forward to seeing Robert Prosinečki again," said Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovačić. "He was my hero." Azerbaijan's new coach, Prosinečki was previously Slaven Bilić's assistant during the latter's time as Croatia boss, and is well known to all Croatian fans for his exploits as a player with Real Madrid and Barcelona. "I really admired him and enjoyed watching him, he was such a great player," added Kovačić, who left Internazionale Milano for Madrid this summer. "I wish him all the luck, but not on Thursday against us."
Azerbaijan v Croatia – 18.00CET