Dutch connection delights Hungary's Koeman

The overall reaction to the UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying draw was one of guarded optimism in Group E. If Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk was especially happy to face a Hungary team led by Erwin Koeman, it was a sentiment reciprocated by the former Dutch international.

Bert van Marwijk, Netherlands coach
It is difficult to look so far ahead, as EURO qualification does not start for six months. Obviously it is nice that we meet Hungary with Erwin Koeman there – that gives the match an extra-special touch. Finland, Sweden and Hungary are the better-known football nations, while Moldova and San Marino, at least in theory, are the lesser opponents. But, and I have said that before, you cannot and should not underestimate any opponent these days. On the other hand, you should not be afraid. If we play like we can, we have a good chance.

Erik Hamrén, Sweden coach
It's a good draw, an exciting group. We have a possibility of advancing and that is our ambition. We'll fight it out with Hungary and Finland primarily, but also give the Netherlands a run for first place. The way I see it, the Dutch are favourites. They impressed in World Cup qualifying, where they were undefeated. After them, it's us, Finland and Hungary who will challenge. The matches will be tough and there are no easy games at all in international football.

Stuart Baxter, Finland coach
Somewhere in there, there is a small possibility for us, so we are quite happy with the draw. The Dutch will be clear favourites, then the Swedes who have the experience and have qualified before. Hungary have a long tradition. I think we can take points from most teams and it is going to be a very close group, in which case there is a scenario where we can qualify, absolutely. The Swedes have a new coach so they are going to be very motivated, especially against the Finnish. Hopefully my knowledge of Swedish football will help us, but when we play in Stockholm and Helsinki it will be down to who produces the best performances.

Erwin Koeman, Hungary coach
For people in Hungary, it is fantastic to play against the Netherlands. They are one of the best sides in Europe, maybe the world. It is very nice for me to come up against the Dutch team. I know all the players, I know the coaches, I know the staff. We have to play for qualification and that is an important goal for us. We have to beat the better teams. Hungarian players need a big competition to improve. I'm not afraid of Sweden – OK, we lost twice against them [in FIFA World Cup qualifying], but if you look at the matches we could have won. Of course we will have to be at our best, but so will they. We did well with 16 points [in World Cup qualifying], but to qualify you need to do even better. It is important for us to have a goal and for us that is second place.

Gavril Balint, Moldova coach
It was obvious we would be in a difficult group as our ranking is low. However, we have a talented group of players, so we have a chance. A slim chance is still a chance and we will do our best to make use of it. The Netherlands are the favourites, of course, but we can compete even against them.