Tough task for Germany
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Article summary
The 2002/04 UEFA European Under-21 Championship draw has placed hosts Germany in a testing group.
Article body
Group composition
Italy, the country with the highest coefficient from the qualifying tournament, will face surprise package Belarus, Serbia and Montenegro, and Croatia in an intriguing Group A. Meanwhile, hosts Germany have been drawn alongside Switzerland, Sweden and Portugal in a tough-looking Group B.
Italy have pedigree
Neither of the two finalists from 2002, the Czech Republic and France, have reached this year's event. Italy have the strongest pedigree of the eight finalists having won four of the last six editions.
Völler at draw
German national-team coach Rudi Völler together with Lars-Ake Lagrell, chairman of UEFA's national teams committee, conducted the draw at the Hotel Intercontinental. The final round of the tournament takes place between 27 May and 8 June.
2002/04 UEFA European Under-21 Championship draw:
|