The largely predictable Euro 2012 qualifying tournament could throw up real late drama Tuesday with France and Portugal involved in make-or-break matches. France host Bosnia in a game which will send one of the teams to Poland and Ukraine and condemn the other to trying its luck in a two-legged playoff next month. Denmark and Portugal will be playing for a direct spot at next year's tournament when they meet in Copenhagen, with the visitors at risk of missing out altogether if they lose. There have been precious few such matches in the marathon nine-group qualifying competition, which has consisted largely of embarrassingly easy wins for the top teams. Germany, Italy, England, Spain and Netherlands have all qualified, joining co-hosts Poland and Ukraine, without losing a match between them. However, he will take little comfort for Tuesday's program where 27 of the 44 teams in action have nothing to play for apart from pride and nine of the 22 matches are effectively dead rubbers. Five more teams – the final four group winners and the best runners-up – will ensure their places Tuesday while the other eight second-placed sides will go into the playoffs to decide the last four qualifiers. The most attractive fixture pits Denmark and Portugal, level on 16 points at the top of Group H. One point would be enough for Portugal, which has won its last five games in the group, thanks to its better head-to-head record. However, while Denmark is assured of a top-two finish, defeat for Portugal could lead to it being overtaken by Norway, which faces Cyprus and is three points behind, and missing out on the playoffs as well. France, one point ahead of Bosnia at the top of Group D, needs a draw in Paris to qualify but can take nothing for granted against a team which earlier this year was on the point of being kicked out of the competition due to a political dispute in the federation. The team which misses out will have the consolation of finishing second and a playoff spot. Russia faces what should be a formality to qualify, needing a point at home to Andorra to top Group B, and is leaving Ireland and Armenia to fight for second spot in Dublin. The Irish, one point ahead of their opponents, need a draw. Group F leader Greece also requires a draw in Georgia to qualify, otherwise Croatia could pip them by beating Latvia at home. Greece and Croatia are already sure of at least a playoff place. Belgium is one point clear of Turkey in Group A but needs to win in Germany to have any realistic chance of finishing above Guus Hiddink's team. The Turks have the bonus of hosting an Azerbaijan side which has conceded 15 goals in losing their four away games. Estonia, which has completed its matches attempting to qualify for its first major tournament, will have a nervous wait to see if it can hold on to second place in Group C as Serbia can still pip it with a win in Slovenia.
