France look to book play-off slot

First play second
With the ten qualifying group winners, as well as the six best runners-up, progressing into the eight play-off matches which will determine who reaches the final tournament, the stakes are high indeed. In Group 1, France put their 100 per cent record on the line against Cyprus in a collision of the first and second-placed teams. A French win in that match, or against Slovenia next week, will guarantee them top spot.

Packed with forwards
France's coach, Raymond Domenech, has deliberately packed his squad with forwards, including Chaouki Ben Saada and David Bellion. "With two games in a row, you always need attackers," Domenech said. Slovenia face Israel on Friday hoping for three points to bolster their hopes of finishing second.

Czechs visit Borisov
Another section where the top two meet is Group 3, as Belarus host holders Czech Republic in Borisov. The Czechs have won all five qualifiers to date, to carve out a three-point advantage, while the Belarussians have triumphed in four games out of six. Czech coach Werner Licka believes the tie will represent his side's biggest test of the campaign so far.

'Biggest opponents'
"They are our biggest opponents," he said. "They play simple and straightforward football with great determination." The Czechs are without injured Tomás Jun and Miroslav Slepicka. "I hope we can replace them," said Licka, who may play his own son Mario up front.

'Primary target'
Group 7 features another top-of-the-table clash, with Portugal entertaining Turkey in Viseu. The visitors lead the group by four points and are keen to secure first place. "Our primary target is to win, though a draw will not be a disappointment," said Turkey coach Rasit Çetiner. "Clinching first place as soon as possible is the priority."

No chances
Striker Serhat Akin and midfield player Ilhan Özbay are missing for Turkey, which may make room for talents such as Sabri Sarioglu or twins Hamit and Halil Altintop. With England, two points behind the Portuguese, facing a potentially easier assignment in F.Y.R. Macedonia, Portugal coach José Romão has taken no chances and selected full internationals Bruno Vale, Hugo Viana, Tiago, Ricardo Quaresma, Cristiano Ronaldo and Hélder Postiga.

Danes not in action
Group 2 pacesetters Denmark are not in action on Friday, but the match between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Norway in Travnik is highly significant. The Norwegians are currently second on 13 points, having played a game more than the Bosnians who are three points behind them.

Chance to shine
For Norway, talented forwards Daniel Braaten, Espen Hoff and Morten Gamst Pedersen will be hoping to shine, while success for coach Per Matias Høgmo will increase speculation that he could replace senior coach Nils Johan Semb, who will leave his post after UEFA EURO 2004™.

Hadzihmemedovic out
Bosnia simply must win to keep their top-two hopes alive, and have just one injury absentee - Eldar Hadzihmemedovic, who hit six goals for SFK Lyn against NSÍ Runavík in the UEFA Cup last week.

Other significant matches
Among Friday's other qualifiers, Germany can go top of Group 5 with a victory in Iceland, and Poland will edge closer to winning Group 4 if they prevail in Latvia. Meanwhile, Russia will close the gap on Group 10 leaders Switzerland with a win in Republic of Ireland, and Italy will look to extend their Group 9 advantage with three points from their home match with Wales.