Ireland to face Russia, Slovakia, Armenia in European Championships

Irish Central, Ireland
Feb 7 2010

Ireland to face Russia, Slovakia, Armenia in European Championships 2012

By SEAN O’SHEA, IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Following today’s draw for the qualifying stages, Ireland is in Group
B of the European Championships. The country will play against Russia,
Slovakia, FYR Macedonia, Armenia, and Andorra, according to RTE.

Former Ireland international player Ray Houghton was optimistic after
the draw. `I’m delighted,’ he told RTE. `The other top seeds are
further ahead of us but Russia are certainly beatable.

`I actually think we can win it,’ he added, `I certainly believe the
number one spot is there for the taking.’

Northern Ireland face some tough challenges. They are Group C along
with world champions Italy. The group also has Serbia, Slovenia,
Estonia and the Faroe Islands.

England are in Group G with Wales, Switzerland, Bulgaria and
Montenegro, and Germany is in Group A.