Paris (AFP)

North wind on the Euro-2020 qualifiers on Friday: Denmark, Sweden and Finland may move closer to qualifying. For Italy and Spain, already assured to compete in the finals, this is an opportunity to maintain momentum and test.

Sweden has its destiny in hand: in case of success against Romania, the Scandinavians would qualify for their sixth consecutive continental finals, in a group F where Spain, already qualified, seems untouchable with a first place to insure against Malta.

The Finns are in a similar situation, behind the impregnable Italy which aims for a ninth success in nine matches in Bosnia. Faced with weak Liechstenstein, against whom a victory would be enough to win the ticket so much sought after, the opportunity is good for the country that has never experienced a final phase of great competition.

The Danes, surprise winners of Euro-1992, are more used to the finals. But they will still have to whip to hope to be there this time.

In a very tight D group, they will have their ticket only in case of victory against Gibraltar and if Switzerland loses against Georgia. But the Helvetians will be over-motivated: they are still in the race and will have Monday against Gibraltar a last day much more affordable than the Danes, opposed to Ireland, current leader of the pool.

Program of the matches of Friday (in Paris time / GMT):

Group D

(8:45 pm / 7:45 pm) Switzerland - Georgia

Denmark - Gibraltar

Group F

(18h00 / 17h00) Norway - Faroe Islands

(8:45 pm / 7:45 pm) Spain - Malta

Romania - Sweden

Group J

(18h00 / 17h00) Finland - Liechstenstein

Armenia - Greece

(8:45 pm / 7:45 pm) Bosnia - Italy

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