Group A
Finland is looking nothing like the side that was constantly shipping three or more goals against the Czechs and the Dutch in WC qualifying. They have managed to not only beat Poland, a traditional footballing powerhouse, but contain and stifle Portugal's impressive attack. The 1:1 result in Helsinki could prove decisive in yielding the winners.

Poland is experiencing something similar to what Belgium underwent in the last two years - a steady decline in its ability to compete on the international stage. Even landing second place in this well-balanced group seems beyond their capabilities.

Serbia, on the other hand, is slowly but surely making-up for its ridiculous showing in Germany. Under new management the Blues are displaying more firepower and less defensive solidity, a combination generally associated with the attack-minded Serbian teams of the past. A win, a draw, plus a 3:1 friendly defeat of the Czech Republic, gives them a solid start to the qualifying campaign.

Portugal will take first place in the group, despite looking a little less potent without Figo in the mix. The other four teams, Belgium, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, will be looking for nothing more than a few upsets.

GROUP A
1. Portugal
2. Finland
3. Serbia
4. Poland
5. Belgium
6. Kazakhstan
7. Armenia
8. Azerbaijan

Group B
It was absolutely fantastic to see France put three past the World Champions at the Stade de France. Now that Ukraine, Scotland, and France lead the Group, the Italians have been left with serious catching-up work to do, and receiving that Zidane-style headbutt in the balls didn't help their cause. Too bad. I don't think many tears would be shed should they fail to qualify. Despite being 5 points clear of their Transalpine rivals after only two matches, Les Bleus must keep their feet on the ground, as there are still daunting trips to Scotland, Ukraine, and Italy ahead.

Scotland are riding a wave of euphoria and confidence after taking maximum points from their first two matches, scoring 8 and conceding just one. Granted, 6 of those goals came from their thrashing of group minnows Faroe Islands, but the Scots have managed to do one thing our Italian friends have not; beat dark-horses Lithuania.

Lithuania and Georgia will continue to steal points from the favorites, but I cannot see either team qualifying for the competition in Switzerland. Should France continue this run of good results, second place will be a real dogfight between Italy, Scotland, and Ukraine.

GROUP B:
1. France
2. Scotland
3. Italy
4. Ukraine
5. Georgia
6. Lithuania
7. Faroe Islands

Group C
There are no top teams here even with European Champions Greece involved, and the team from the Mediterranean is looking a mere shadow of its world-beating display in Portugal. Norway has already stamped its authority on the group and a meeting between the Scandinavians and the Turks looks decisive. Bosnia has recently evolved from being a dark-horse side to being serious contenders for qualification, and could pull a surprise and qualify. Hungary will challenge, but only for a brief period of time.

GROUP C
1. Norway
2. Turkey
3. Bosnia & Herzegovina
4. Greece
5. Hungary
6. Moldova
7. Malta

Group D
I would have to say that Group D wins the title of the tightest, closest group of them all. Here traditional powerhouse Germany has been put together with three teams with real talent and more than enough strength to qualify - the Czech Republic, the Republic of Ireland, and Slovakia. And let's not forget Wales, eager to finally make it to the big stage after several close calls.

So far the Welsh are terribly unlucky. Unlucky to lose against the Czechs, they have just lost an exhibition game against Brazil. Chances are, it's quite gloomy in the Wales camp right now.

The battle for second place will be of gargantuan porportions. I would personally rule-out the Irish, despite having some real class players on their side. Wales will fall short again, and Slovakia will duel with the Czech Republic - but with the latter already holding an impressive advantage in terms of head-to-head record, Slovakia will also be unlucky losers.

GROUP D
1. Germany
2. Czech Republic
3. Slovakia
4. Wales
5. Ireland Republic
6. Cyprus
7. San Marino

Group E
England is really doing a fine job of taking max points from the "small" teams - 10 goals and three clean sheets in its last 3 internationals says something. Israel, too, despite the fact that they have not encountered any big opposition yet, are looking strong and capable of qualifying for Euro 2008. This is a side, after-all, that had gone undefeated in WC qualifying.

Ever since France '98, Croatia has been a force on the international level, qualifying for every single major tournament since 2002. The respect they demand as an opposing side has not lessened since then, and they should give the other teams a run for their money.

Russia is young, talented, but inexperienced. This lack of experience, clearly demonstrated in their inability to put away chances at home against the Croats, could cost them big. Macedonia is dangerous at home but impotent on away trips.

GROUP E
1. England
2. Croatia
3. Israel
4. Russia
5. Macedonia
6. Estonia
7. Andorra

Group F
Spain's shock defeat to Northern Ireland questions the Iberian menace's authority in this Group. The Spaniards were awful in WC 2006 qualifying, and this early loss could easily dampen their spirits and see them miss-out on the tournament.

Denmark, however, has found a new blend of young and experienced players, with talents such as Nicklas Bendtner rising quickly through the ranks and proving their worth on the international stage. 4:2 vs. Portugal, and 2:0 vs. Iceland are their most recent results, and the Danes are looking to make-up for that slow start that cost them a place in the WC.

Sweden has managed to bounce back from repeated maulings by Germany and are looking fine. Both Iceland and Northern Ireland should be able to compete for a place as well. Latvia and Liechtenstein are no easy pickings either. This group is wide open.

GROUP F
1. Denmark
2. Sweden
3. Spain
4. Iceland
5. Northern Ireland
6. Liechtenstein
7. Latvia

Group G
The Dutch have taken the full, expected 6 points from their first two games, albeit in unconvincing fashion. The 3:0 victory over Belarus was a breath of fresh air for Marco van Basten, who has repeatedly been questioned over the selection of his players. No Ruud van Nistelrooij, no Roy Makaay...instead we see Dirk Kuyt and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink joining Robin van Persie and Klaas Jan Huntelaar in attack. Sometimes the Oranje clock ticks and works perfectly, like in the demolition of Ireland at the Road (4:0). Sometimes, however, it stutters.

Bulgaria and Romania are the likely contenders for second spot. After the brave comeback from being 2:0 down against their Eastern European neighbors, Bulgaria will be looking to avoid any further slip-ups. As long as Dimitar Berbatov finds his scoring touch again, that should be no problem.

GROUP G
1. Netherlands
2. Romania
3. Bulgaria
4. Slovenia
5. Albania
6. Belarus
7. Luxembourg

MY QUALIFIERS:
Portugal, Finland, France, Scotland, Norway, Turkey, Germany, Czech Republic, England, Croatia, Denmark, Sweden, Netherlands, Romania