Most international teams are off or playing friendlies this Tuesday, but there is half a slate of Euro 2012 qualifying fixtures, with two games being of particular importance. Turkey and Austria are both in virtual must-win situations with Germany locking down first place in Group A and Belgium pulling into second place, while a similar situation exists for Northern Ireland and Slovenia, who are jockeying for second position behind Italy in Group C.
With the exception of Turkey, the other three of these teams are coming off of losses on the weekend. Despite that, Turkey boss Guus Hiddink is under the most pressure of any of these international managers, and he has stated that he will quit if his team does not defeat Austria. Though Turkey are favorites, with Austria's giant strikers, nothing is ever certain. Austria have Turkey beat for talent at fullback and for target strikers, but Turkey are superior in just about every other way. For them, all eyes will be on Borussia Dortmund central playmaker, Nuri Sahin.
Northern Ireland are not considered to have a great shot to make Euro 2012, but a win today would surprisingly put them in great position to qualify. They're strong in central defense and in the center of midfield, but there's a big question about who is going to score their goals. Slovenia held firm for the majority of their match against Italy, falling 1-0 on a second half goal from Thiago Motta, and it seems likely that they will be able to hold Northern Ireland to a shutout.
Here's the complete schedule for Tuesday's Euro 2012 qualifying action.
Czech Republic vs. Lichtenstein: 11:30 am ET
Sweden vs. Moldova: 1 pm ET
Israel vs. Georgia: 1 pm
Turkey vs. Austria: 1:30 pm
Romania vs. Luxembourg: 1:45 pm
Estonia vs. Serbia: 2:30 pm
Netherlands vs. Hungary: 2:30 pm
Northern Ireland vs. Slovenia: 2:45 pm
Belgium vs. Azerbaijan: 2:45 pm
Lithuania vs. Spain: 2:45 pm