Euro 2012 draw
February 7, 2010
Sunday's draw in Warsaw placed Belgium, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan alongside Germany, Austria and Turkey in Group A.
The toughest of the group by far is expected to be Turkey. The Turkish team has a reputation for tenacity and overcoming obstacles, as they did during the 2008 Euro semi-final against Germany, where they almost managed a victory despite a roster shot through with injuries and suspensions. The Germans beat them 3-2 with a winning goal in the 79th minute.
Germany coach Joachim Loew said he expected his team and Turkey to be the group favorites.
"We should qualify for the finals, I think we can expect that," Loew said after the draw.
Battle of the Germans
There are three German coaches among the six teams. Besides Loew, former national coach Berti Vogts coaches Azerbaijan, and Bernd Storck leads Kazakhstan.
Vogt said on Sunday he looked forward to a windfall after his team was drawn against Germany.
"We will receive lots of money thanks to the game against Germany, and that means we can build more stadiums and invest in youth development," Vogts said. "We're happy to be playing against Germany, from whom we can learn a lot and who will let us play. We know we must improve although we're on the right path."
Storck said he too was happy with the outcome.
"For us and especially for me, (it is) a real highlight to play against Germany with Kazakhstan," he said. "It's equally good to play against Azerbaijan and to meet former Germany coach Berti Vogts in the duel of the outsiders."
But Germany coach Joachim Loew, who may not be in charge for the tournament after negotiations over the extension of his contract stalled last week, was cautious of facing teams coached by his compatriots.
"Logically, it's not completely simple against Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan," he said. "It's a German-speaking group with a lot of German coaches. Naturally, Germany and Turkey are the favorites."
Armenia had originally been a member of group A, but had to be redrawn because of political tensions with Azerbaijan.
Under a pre-arranged agreement, Armenia were moved into Group B where they will face Russia, Slovakia, Ireland, Macedonia and Andorra.
European champions Spain were the last drawn team, and they will face the Czech Republic, Scotland, Lithuania, and Liechtenstein.
World champions Italy will face a tougher slate of opponents in World Cup 2010 finalists Serbia and Slovenia. Also in Group C are Northern Ireland, Estonia and the Faroe Islands.
The first qualifiers begin in September, and the final play-offs are set for November 2011.
Draw for Euro 2012 qualifiers:
Group A: Germany, Turkey, Austria, Belgium, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan.
Group B: Russia, Slovakia, Republic of Ireland, Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra.
Group C: Italy, Serbia, Northern Ireland, Slovenia, Estonia, Faroe Islands.
Group D: France, Romania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg.
Group E: Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Moldova, San Marino.
Group F: Croatia, Greece, Israel, Latvia, Georgia, Malta.
Group G: England, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Wales, Montenegro.
Group H: Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Cyprus, Iceland.
Group I: Spain, Czech Republic, Scotland, Lithuania, Liechtenstein.
svs/dpa/Reuters/AP
Editor: Sonia Phalnikar