Four crucial games that could define qualifying


Wales captain Aaron Ramsey says Friday night's meeting with Belgium is the "biggest game" the current squad has ever faced.
Chris Coleman's side, level on points with Belgium, can go clear at the top of Group B with victory at the start of a key weekend of Euro 2016 qualifiers.
Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland are also in with a chance of making it to France next summer, while the Netherlands face a vital contest with Latvia as they bid to breathe life into a faltering campaign.
Here, BBC Sport looks at a weekend of fixtures that could prove crucial in the qualifying campaign.


How do you qualify?
There are nine groups and the top two from each will book a Euro 2016 spot, accounting for 18 of the 24 places.
The third-placed side with the most points (discarding those earned against the team finishing sixth in groups as one group has five teams) will also make it.
This leaves eight other teams who have finished third in a group to play off over two legs to provide another four sides.
So that's 23, while France qualify automatically as hosts.
Wales v Belgium (Friday, 19:45 BST)

Euro 2016
Why does the match matter so much?
Both of the sides are unbeaten in the group, on the same points. Victory for either will be a huge fillip for their chances of qualifying for the tournament.
Recent meetings
You have to go back to 1993 for the last time Wales beat Belgium, goals from Ryan Giggs and Ian Rush securing a 2-0 victory. Three defeats and two draws - taking in their first meeting in the Euro 2016 qualifiers - have followed.
Ones to watch
Aaron Ramsey
Wales and Belgium met in World Cup qualifying in 2012
Belgium have talent all over the pitch. They have the height and power of Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke while also boasting the craft and guile of PFA Player of the Year Eden Hazard.
Captain Vincent Kompany is suspended so Arsenal's Ramsey will be looking to penetrate Belgium's defence with runs from midfield. Of course, Belgium will need to keep an eye on the world's most expensive player, Gareth Bale, who is set to win his 50th cap.
The numbers game
Wales have lost their last two home games against Belgium
Belgium are unbeaten in their last seven away games in qualifying
This will be Wales' 100th European Championship qualifier: Won 38, Drawn 20, Lost 41
What they said
Ramsey feels this is Wales' biggest game in a decade, since beating Italy 2-1 in a Euro 2004 qualifier.
"It's probably the biggest game we've played for Wales with this group of players. We are both top of the league at the moment and there's a lot on this game," he said.
Wales' remaining qualifiers
Belgium (h)
12 June
Cyprus (a)
3 September
Israel (h)
6 September
Bosnia-Hercegovina (a)
10 October
Andorra (h)
13 October
Republic of Ireland v Scotland (Saturday, 17:00 BST)

Euro 2016
Why does the match matter so much?
Just three points separate the top four teams in Group D, although the Republic of Ireland will find themselves almost out of contention should they lose.
Scotland can put the pressure firmly on Poland and Germany if they collect three points.
Recent meetings
Shaun Maloney
Shaun Maloney curled in an exquisite goal in November
Shaun Maloney was the match-winner for Scotland back in November, but the two sides are even when it comes to head-to-heads, both collecting four wins a piece.
Ones to watch
Striker Steven Fletcher suffered a disappointing season with Sunderland but netted a hat-trick for his country in the last qualifying match against Gibraltar in March. He could line up against club team-mate John O'Shea.
Scotland's remaining Euro 2016 qualifiers
Republic of Ireland (a)
13 June
Georgia (a)
4 September
Germany (h)
7 September
Poland (h)
8 October
Gibraltar (a)
11 October
The numbers game
Ireland are without a win in their last three Group D games
Scotland are yet to win away from home in the group
Ireland's Robbie Keane is the record goalscorer in European Championship qualifying with 21 goals
What they said
Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill does not want his players to be distracted from off-field issues, such as the loan given to the Football Association of Ireland to stop legal action after France controversially beat Ireland in a World Cup play-off in 2009.
"My job here is to try to prepare these players for this match," O'Neill said.
Meanwhile, Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan has compared manager Gordon Strachan's efforts with the national side to that of the country's First Minister.
"Gordon has done as much as Nicola Sturgeon to rally the nation," he said. "We have a laugh and a joke about his popularity."
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