Monday, January 22, 2007

Powell happy with Euro 2009 draw


England Women have been drawn against the Czech Republic, Spain, Belarus and Northern Ireland in the qualifiers for Uefa Women's Euro 2009 in Finland.

England coach Hope Powell told the Football Association's website: "I am happy with the draw. There are a couple of groups you have to say are tougher.

"It's a bit strange to be looking ahead to another tournament when we are still nine months away from the World Cup.

"But it was great to see us among the top seeds for the first time."

Wales are up against defending champions Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium.

Scotland face Denmark, Ukraine, Portugal and Slovakia while the Republic of Ireland will play Sweden, Italy, Hungary and Romania.

The Finns will be joined by 11 qualifiers for the finals, with six group winners progressing automatically.

Six runners-up and four third-placed teams with the best record against the nations finishing first, second and fourth in their groups will be drawn into five two-legged play-offs for the remaining spots in the summer 2009 finals.

Germany are going for a fifth-straight title since 1995 and their seventh overall, while 2005 runners-up Norway are going for a third European crown.

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