U21 hopefuls want Friday high

Czech hope
Both of the sides that reached the 2002 final could be among that number. The Czech Republic, champions that year, lead Group 1 and need only draw against second-placed Netherlands in Mlada Boleslav to clinch a berth - while the visitors will move out of reach of third-placed Romania should they win. The Romanians themselves must prevail in Finland in their final fixture to maintain their hopes - defeat would ensure the Czechs and Dutch qualify.

Schaffhausen showdown
Group 4 has been as exciting as its FIFA World Cup counterpart with Israel, 2002 runners-up France and Switzerland tightly matched. Israel lead, but have completed their fixtures, so when France play the Swiss in Schaffhausen, both teams know three points would secure a play-off spot. France coach René Girard, whose side drew 1-1 with the Swiss in Troyes this March, said: "It will be a dogfight. Switzerland are the toughest team we have met, taking few risks and producing a perfect finish. But we must think that they have to win to go through, the pressure is on them."

Ukraine chance
Ukraine in Group 2 will advance tonight as runners-up if they beat Albania, regardless of the Greek result in Denmark as third-placed Turkey look on. A point would be good enough in Group 8 for frontrunners Croatia against Sweden, who themselves will progress as long as their result equals Hungary's in Bulgaria.

Belgian fate
Belgium also have their fate in their hands, as three points against Spain would take them through in Group 7. Should 2004 runners-up Serbia and Montenegro not win in Lithuania, a victory would be sufficient for the Spanish. Russia could enter the play-offs behind Portugal in Group 3 if their result against Luxembourg betters Slovakia's versus Estonia.

Slovenia task
Slovenia could advance behind Italy in Group 5 - but must win in Vicenza against the pool victors and hope neither Norway nor Belarus defeat Moldova or Scotland respectively. Germany and England will progress from Group 6, and first place will be the Germans' if they overcome Wales and England lose to Austria.