Euro 2012 qualifying enters its endgame today with Portugal facing a tough assignment in Zenica and Ireland in Tallinn hoping to erase the bitter memories of missing the boat to last year’s World Cup. Preview: Nick Reeves

The programme for the first leg of the Euro 2012 play-offs pits the Portuguese against Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Irish against surprise package Estonia, the Czech Republic against Montenegro and Croatia in Turkey.

Thierry Henry’s infamous handball helped France edge Ireland in qualifying for South Africa 2010 and Giovanni Trapattoni’s side are desperate to atone for that agonising near miss and qualify for their first major finals in almost a decade.

Ireland, who made the play-offs after taking the runner-up spot in Group B behind Russia, are up against a side they beat twice in qualifying for the World Cup in 2002.

Despite the apparent gulf in quality Trapattoni has warned against seeing Estonia as pushovers. “There is no room for complacency,” the Italian said.

“We will remember that Estonia have as much right to be in the play-off as ourselves.

“These games will be a huge challenge for us, and we must maintain the correct mentality from start to finish.”

The Estonians are just happy to be still in the running for Ukraine and Poland after finishing second to Italy in Group C.

Portugal take on a Bosnia side that like Estonia has punched above its weight, coming within 13 minutes of automatic qualification and consigning France to the play-offs.

Portugal winger Nani is set to earn his 50th cap against a side that he helped defeat when the two countries met at the play-off stage for last year’s World Cup.

Bosnia coach Safet Susic is hopeful of turning the tables on Cristiano Ronaldo and company.

“This is not the same Bosnia team as two years ago,” he said.

“We have midfielders who are capable of causing problems to anyone. And we also have Edin Dzeko, who is certainly the best striker in the world.”

Croatia also have revenge on their minds as they travel to Istanbul to take on a Turkey side that knocked them out of the Euro 2008 quarter-finals on penalties.

Guus Hiddink’s Turkey owe their presence in the play-offs to their runner-up position behind runaway Group A winners Germany.

In Prague, the Czech Republic, second to Spain in Group I, host a Montenegro team that edged Switzerland for second in Group G behind England.

The second legs are being staged next Tuesday.

The draw for the finals will be held on December 2 in Kiev, with the finals starting on June 8 next year and running to July 1.

Play-offs

Bosnia vs Portugal - 20.00
Turkey vs Croatia - 20.05
Czech Rep. vs Montenegro - 20.15
Estonia vs Ireland - 20.45

Second legs: Nov. 15.

Already Qualified

Germany, Russia, Italy, Holland, Sweden, Greece, England, Denmark, Spain, France, Poland (co-hosts), Ukraine (co-hosts).