The expanded format of the European Championships mean that 4 places still remain for the international soccer tournament highlight of 2016 that will take place in France next summer. Ironically, the extended format designed to ensure that all the European star names were in attendance at the tournament has already suffered a major blow by the unexpected failure of the Netherlands to qualify. Instead, the tournament is blessed with the likes of Iceland reaching their first ever major tournament and the return of Northern Ireland and Wales to major tournaments for the first time in over 30 years and 50 years respectively.

The four ties that are to be played will take place over two legs (home & away) with extra time in match two and, if necessary, penalties to determine who can look forward to a summer in France in 2016.

Editor’s Note: Be sure to check out all of our articles, and read more about the EPL and Spanish La Liga at http://www.rotoballer.com/category/premier-league-bpl-epl-soccer

Additionally: A more detailed preview of the Euro 2016 playoffs can also be viewed at http://www.rotoballer.com/euro-2016-the-playoff-picture/283812

Norway v Hungary

An interesting contest between two countries that are starved of major tournament action. Hungary have not been at such an event since 1972 and come into this tie as underdogs and with the Norwegian team having a rather more physical approach, we think they are likely to overwhelm the Hungarians.  Norway have lost every home game in November over the last 20 years but expect them to break that hoodoo and have the tie under control before they visit Budapest on Sunday.

Prediction; Norway to advance. 

Bosnia-Herzegovnia v Republic of Ireland

This is a difficult tie to predict as Bosnia have improved markedly since the arrival of Coach Mehmed Bazdarevic in December.  In former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, who now plies his trade at Roma, they have a clear match winner. Ireland on the other hand are a resolute team lacking star players and reliant very much upon the veteran Robbie Keane from L A Galaxy to score their goals. We think the first game will be a tight affair leaving the Irish with every chance of qualification with the backing of their vocal support. Martin O'Neill has a knack of getting the best out of average players, his time at Leicester City and Aston Villa being clear examples, and we think he will work his old magic one more time.

Prediction; Ireland to advance.

Ukraine v Slovenia

Ukraine have lost their last 5 play off ties and have never beaten Slovenia who won the Euro 2000 play off 3-2 on aggregate.  Ukraine however have much to play for, especially given the turmoil in the Country since their joint hosting of Euro 2012 and their teams performances in European club football have given them even more confidence. Hosting the first leg can be a disadvantage but this time we think they will reverse history and qualify for the tournament.

Prediction; Ukraine to advance.

Sweden v Denmark

An all Scandinavian tie features Denmark, who are the only side in the play offs to have won the tournament, which they did in 1992 taking Yugoslavia's spot who were disqualified because of the conflict taking place there at the time. Sweden will, of course as ever, be relying upon Zlatan Ibrahimovic who at 34 is in the last chance saloon for tournament appearances.  Long serving Danish manager Morten Olsen will retire at the end of their European Championship campaign and we think it may be this weekend. Whilst both teams have identical group records we still feel the Swedes have a little more experience and quality and will do enough to secure their spot in France, although this tie may go to extra time in Copenhagen.

Prediction; Sweden to advance.

P.S. How strange is this???

SWE v DEN will be on the screen during the opening leg TV coverage....

DEN  MARK will be the letters in the respective names not on screen.....and it's not even halloween anymore!

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