UEFA Euro 2012 final qualifying matches begin October 7:

The UEFA Euro 2012 competition moves into the final qualifying matches beginning October 7 and running through October 11. When the games are over, most of the spots for the Euro 2012 tournament will be filled. The way to advancement comes first to the winners of all nine groups. Joining them will be the top second place finisher among all the groups - nine groups, 10 places decided.

Once that's complete, there will be a draw to decide placement of the other eight second place finishers in each group. Those eight teams will compete in a playoff to fill the last four spots in the tournament taking place next year in Poland and Ukraine. The draw will happen October 13 in Krakow.

Of course, the best way to advance is to forgo the final playoff draw and win your group outright. Going into play October 7, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, and Spain have already won their groups and are locks for the tournament along with host nations Poland and Ukraine. That means the other five group winners as well as the top runner-up will be decided in this round of matches.
Groups A, B, C

Group A has Germany at the top, Turkey in second and Belgium two points behind in third. Both must still play group leader Germany, but Belgium has the easiest game otherwise. The Turks face Azerbaijan, while the Belgian side gets an easier Kazakhstan. Call it a toss-up for the second spot.
As for Group B, the top four teams are only separated by three points. Russia is at the top, followed by Ireland, Armenia, and Slovakia. The group is wide open, but Russia will still likely be No. 1. The Russians play Slovakia October 7, so that part of the equation will be known early. As for the second place finisher, look for Ireland to emerge, and even potentially challenge for the top spot. They have the easiest remaining schedule of the top four.
Group C is like Group A in that one side has cruised to the top spot while the competition below is heated for No. 2. Italy is already through as the Group C winner. Behind Italy's 22 points are Serbia at 14 and Estonia at 13. The Estonians can become one of the Cinderella stories of Euro 2012 if they can overtake Serbia, and the remaining schedule favors them to do just that.

Serbia plays Italy October 7 and then must the current fourth place team, Slovenia, October 11. Estonia takes on Northern Ireland on the same day. Estonia defeated Northern Ireland during the last round in September and will be looking to do it again. If Estonia are victorious, they still need some help as they only play one match in the final round. If Serbia loses to Italy and does no better than draw against Slovenia, Estonia can advance.

Jeff Musall is a lifelong fan of international soccer and is especially looking forward to the Euro 2012 competitions taking place in Ukraine, where he relatives and friends.