With the Germans efficiently opening up a four-point lead at he top of Group D, the only real contest is if either the Czechs or the Irish can get their act together. Neither have lived up to the standards their fans have come to expect but have still nevertheless managed to open up a gap over Slovakia and Wales, admittedly not one of world football’s greatest challenges.

There is little to say on this, one of the less interesting groups in the Euro 2008 qualification list, but it would be a great shame not to have the Irish at the finals. Not only would their fans give the Scots, Poles and Russians a run for their money in the post-match drinking competitions (sure to feature schnapps and the devils cough syrup, Jagermeister) in Austria and Switzerland, but Ireland have a truly talented side and, given the age of some of them, this might be the last chance this generation has to show itself on the world stage.

JumpTV are showing many of Group D matches between August and November, the highlight and most important of which is, by far, Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland on 12th September. Other key games include Slovakia v Republic of Ireland on 8th September and the local derby, Czech Republic v Slovakia on 17th November – please visit http://euro2008.jumptv.com/ for more details.