Croatia, Czech Republic, Ireland and Portugal secure Euro 2012 spots

There were no surprises in Euro 2012 playoffs as favorites – Croatia, Czech Republic, Ireland and Portugal – booked their places in Poland and Ukraine next summer.

­Croatia 0-0 Turkey (Aggregate 3-0 )

The Turks suffered a humiliating 3-0 home loss in the first leg and their coach Guus Hiddink said they just have to go out there and play for pride and their country’s prestige in Zagreb.

The visitors tried hard to put the Croats under pressure, but were once again clueless in front of the opponents’ goals, especially, in the absence of Burak Yilmaz and several other key players.

The Croatian counterattacks were also fruitless, but the home team looked quite satisfied with the 0-0 outcome.

Despite failing to qualify for Poland and Ukraine, Guus Hiddink still helped the team he coached previously as the Zagreb draw will see Russia in pot two for the Euro 2012 draw on December 2.

Montenegro 0-1 Czech Republic (Aggregate 0-3 )

Montenegro spent most of the game on the attack, but Czech keeper Peter Cech was on fire on the night keeping a clean sheet for his team.

And all the hosts’ Euro 2012 dreams were shattered with nine minutes remaining as Petr Jiracek netted after a great solo effort, 1-0.

Republic of Ireland 1-1 Estonia (Aggregate 5-1 )

The game in Dublin was just a formality after Ireland collected a 4-0 win away in Tallinn last week.

But Giovanni Trapattoni’s men still took the encounter seriously and grabbed a well-deserved lead on 37th minute of play.

Estonian keeper, Pavel Londak, parried Kevin Doyle’s header following the corner, but was helpless Stephen Ward’s rebound, 1-0.  

Konstantin Vassiljev equalized for the visitors on the 57th minute, with Irish No.1, Shay Given, not being at his best after a blast from outside the box, 1-1.

Portugal 6-2 Bosnia and Herzegovina (Aggregate 6-2 )

Portugal needed nothing but victory on home pitch in Lisbon, after being held off to a scoreless draw in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

And the home side got off to the best possible start, with Cristiano Ronaldo converting one of his branded free-kick on 8th minute, 1-0.

Nani delivered another stunning long-range blast sixteen minutes later to double Portugal’s lead.

But Bosnia and Herzegovina weren’t done yet as Zvjezdan Misimovic scored from penalty, awarded for Fabio Coentrao’s hand ball on 41st minute, 2-1.

In the second half, Cristiano completed his brace to make it 3-1, with visiting Senad Lulic collecting his second yellow.

Ten-man Bosnia and Herzegovina got one back through captain Emir Spahic, but it was all Portugal after that.

Helder Postiga scored twice and substitute Miguel Veloso added one more to settle the final score of 6-2.

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