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.