ESTONIA are one step away from qualifying for Euro 2024 despite winning ZERO games.
The Minnows have lost seven of their eight matches in qualification – but have landed a play-off place on a technicality.
Estonia conceded 22 goals during those eight games, scoring just twice and suffering back-to-back 5-0 defeats to Sweden and Belgium.
That dismal goal return is lower than San Marino, who scored in three consecutive games during qualifying.
Estonia’s rotten record places them bottom of the group and, in normal circumstances, would see them eliminated from Euro 2024.
But not this time – after a technicality means the 118th ranked Minnows have sensationally landed a play-off space.
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While they suffered a humiliating Euro group campaign, Estonia prospered in the Nations League.
They topped Group D – the lowest ranked group – ahead of Malta and the aforementioned San Marino.
In order to make the Euro play-offs, 12 teams are selected from Leagues A, B and C, who are then replaced by the next highest-ranked team in their league if they’ve already qualified for Germany.
But if fewer than four teams from the same league enter the play-offs, the highest-ranked team in League D are given the spot instead.
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And after Czech Republic beat Moldova 3-0 on Monday, Estonia’s spot was confirmed.
But they face Robert Lewandowski and Poland in the play-off round – meaning they have a significantly uphill task.
If Estonia beat Poland, they will play the winner of the other Path A semifinal- Wales, Finland, Ukraine or Iceland- for a spot at Euro 2024.
Meanwhile, the draw for the final tournament will be made at a ceremony in Hamburg, Germany, on December 2.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
