If they can see out their last two games, there are a number of teams heading to France next year that will deserve the support of any fan of the underdog. While we can expect to see most of the good old nations that almost always make it — England, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Germany but surprisingly probably not Netherlands — there are quite a few new kids making noise as well.

This isn’t like most years where the small teams come in just to make up the numbers. In the last European Championship, the smallest side to make it into the knockout rounds was former-champion Greece, a flaw that led to the competition expanding next year from 16 nations to 24. But the best of the wee-ones don’t need the extra help. Topping their groups with two games left to play are Northern Ireland and Wales. Iceland have already qualified for the first time in their history.

And they are not in easy groups either. Iceland are besting the abysmal Dutch as well as perennial finalists Czech Republic. Wales are ahead of none other than Belgium. Only Northern Ireland could be said to have had a relatively easy path.

Next year’s tournament could be a miracle of the small guys beating up on the powerhouses. The population of all three of these nations is less than a biggish European city (about four million). But these small nations have assembled teams that know how to beat top performers, who have the players and managers to go far. Wales, in particular, are looking dangerous, with Gareth Bale proving just how good he is (even if Real Madrid fans don’t think so). It could also be the moment for a few players to get the respect they deserve. Bale is already well-known, but what about Kyle Lafferty and Gylfi Sigurdsson?

Of course, there’s still work to be done by all but Iceland. Wales failed to put away their qualification against Israel, and Northern Ireland still need points in their games against Greece and Finland. There are also a number of other smaller sides — Scotland and Ukraine for instance — who could sneak into third place and hope for a big showing in the playoffs.

But no matter what, there are going to be little nations at the Euro next year. And they are not going there to be ornamentation; they are going there to win.

Seth Libby is a soccer writer for www.RantSports.com. Like him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @sethlibbywrites.