Underdogs set pace in Euro 2016 qualifiers

– Surprise packages Iceland, Northern Ireland and Slovakia will all attempt to chalk up their fourth straight wins in the Euro 2016 qualifiers which resume over the weekend.

Iceland, who have scored eight goals without conceding in Group A, travel to Plzen, the home of Pilsner beer, hoping to add the Czech Republic to their list of scalps after their wins over Turkey, Latvia and Netherlands.

Northern Ireland, who sit proudly on top of Group F after wins over Hungary, Faroe Islands and Greece, visit Romania while Group B leaders Slovakia, who have already beaten Spain, visit Macedonia.

Germany were beaten by Poland last month while other upsets have included Albania’s win in Portugal and previously goalshy Cyprus coming from behind to win 2-1 in Bosnia.

The Czechs are determined to avoid another upset on Sunday against Iceland who emerged with a 2-1 win when the teams last met, in a World Cup qualifier in 2001.

“We are going to practise things that should help us overcome a defence organised in two blocks,” said coach Pavel Vrba (right).

Romania’s match against Northern Ireland tomorrow also features two unbeaten sides who look capable of ending long absences from major tournaments.

Group C leaders Slovakia start as strong favourites to continue their run in Macedonia on Saturday, having never lost in six previous meetings to their opponents.

Spain, who have six points, look to have a straightforward task at home to Belarus who will be under interim coach Andriy Zygmantovic after Georgi Kondratiev quit last month.

Arguably the most attractive match is between Italy, enjoying a new lease of life under new coach Antonio Conte, and Croatia, who clash on Sunday in Milan after each winning their first three games in Group H.

Germany, with only four points from three games in Group D, host Gibraltar tomorrow while the Dutch, who have lost two out of three games in Group A, host Latvia on Sunday. –