Deutsche Welle, Germany
Feb 7 2010
Germany take on Turkey in Euro 2012 qualifiers
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.
Bildunterschrift: GroÃ?Â?ansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift:
Germany coach Loew may not be be in charge at the Euro 2012"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
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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress